Fijivillage
17 February, 2026, 5:32 am
Central - 23°C Clouds
17 February, 2026, 5:32 am Central - 23°C Clouds

18-year-old Talei spends school holidays assisting family business at the Suva Market

18-year-old Talei spends school holidays assisting family business at the Suva Market

By Pita Toganivalu
30/12/2025
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.

@fijivillage.com 18-year-old Talei spends school holidays assisting family business at the Suva Market #FijiNews ♬ original sound - fijivillage

FEATURE NEWS
Mysterious airstrip in Nadi is not a priority for Govt - Gavoka
The airstrip at Mulomulo in Nawaka, Nadi, is currently not a government priority.This has been confirmed by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Viliame G...
12 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
40 Yaqara Pastoral workers on strike from today over unpaid COLA
40 Yaqara Pastoral Company Ltd workers are on strike from today as their demands of Cost of Living Adjustment payment has not been met.The National ...
12 hours ago

Mysterious airstrip in Nadi is not a priority for Govt - Gavoka
The airstrip at Mulomulo in Nawaka, Nadi, is currently not a government priority.This has been confirmed by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Viliame ...
12 hours ago

Former PAP Women's President to file complaint to Fijian Elections Office
Former People’s Alliance Women’s President Titilia Saurara says she will file a complaint with the Fijian Elections Office regarding what she ...
12 hours ago

Elections must unite, not divide - President
As our nation moves towards a general election, elections must be a contest of ideas and vision, never a cause for division. This has ...
12 hours ago

Ratu Naiqama urges landowners to align development with national priorities
The Government is calling for unity among landowners, institutions, and communities to ensure land and natural resources are used productively, ...
13 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
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 ...
11 days ago

Malimali and others filed for judicial review into COI
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
11 days ago

Malimali’s legal battle against President, PM and AG
Another legal battle starts today as sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali takes her matter to court against the President, Prime Minister and ...
12 days ago

TOP