Lina Katalaini Talei (middle) with her cousin and younger brother
18-year-old Lina Katalaini Talei of Natokalau Village in Cicia, Lau, is proving that hard work and discipline can create positive change, even at a young age.
Talei is spending her school holidays assisting her family at the Suva Market.
The 18-year-old says working at the Suva Market has taught her responsibility, discipline, and the value of money.
She is encouraging young people to use their time wisely and avoid distractions that can harm their future.
Talei strongly advises youths to stay away from drugs and alcohol, saying these can destroy both their health and mindset.
She also encourages students to help their families at the market during weekends and school holidays, as this can help put food on the table and support younger siblings.
Looking ahead, Talei says she is saving money with hopes of taking her parents on a holiday next year as a way of giving back for their support and sacrifices.
Insert: Talei trip 30th Dec
She hopes her journey will inspire other young people to make positive choices and invest their time in activities that help build a better future.
Talei says she has been involved in her family’s small business since her primary school days.
She adds that the family initially sold food items such as cassava and coconuts before expanding into producing scented oils made from virgin coconut oil.
Talei says today the family business sells a range of products, including scented oils, virgin coconut oil, soap, honey wax, and honey at the market.
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says the Government has four levels of intervention with respect to the fuel crisis and we are at the first level...
9 hours ago
Hindus across Fiji are joining devotees around the world in celebrating Hanuman Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, today.Hanuman Jayanti ...
32 minutes ago
The defence lawyer for former Health Minister, Doctor Neil Sharma, Wylie Clarke has told former Procurement Officer at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and ...
9 hours ago
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says the Government has four levels of intervention with respect to the fuel crisis and we are at the first ...
9 hours ago
My advice is not to remove the fuel tax now as the government will lose about $150 million which can be used to provide urgent relief to the most ...
10 hours ago
A grieving family continues to endure unimaginable pain as they wait for the chance to lay their 13-year-old son to rest with the dignity he deserves ...
14 hours ago
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
27 days ago
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
34 days ago
