Fijivillage
28 February, 2026, 7:34 pm
Central - 24°C Rain
28 February, 2026, 7:34 pm Central - 24°C Rain

From shoeshine boy to graduating from FNU, Bakani hopes to make a difference in his life

From shoeshine boy to graduating from FNU, Bakani hopes to make a difference in his life

By Rashika Kumar , Rohit Kumar
17/09/2023

Shoeshine boy and street dweller Simione Bakani who has graduated with a certificate in Domestic Electrical Installation from Fiji National University's free TVET course says he has high hopes of making a difference in his life.

He wants to be a positive contributor in Fiji’s employment field and also be a beacon of light to his street dweller squad.

Bakani says he was approached to enroll in the course while he was on his way to drop off his close friend’s birth certificate to the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.

He says he is proud to have stumbled over the opportunity as because of this, he is happily walking away with a certificate.

Bakani says they do not get many opportunities while on the streets.

Regardless of their background, he is strongly encouraging others not to give up, and when a door opens, grab the opportunity with both hands.

Bakani hopes the government can help him and the other 150 graduates to get practical jobs and he wants to help his other street brothers and sisters to make a proper living.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro says this is a testimony that every Fijian deserves to have an equal and affordable access to formal education.

He adds people’s economic background should not deter them from dreaming and being given an opportunity to a formal education.

FEATURE NEWS
Drua redeem themselves at the Fortress to win 25-20 against Canes
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have finally reclaimed their Fortress in Lautoka after winning their first game of the season beating the Hurricanes 25...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
TC Urmil to intensify in next 12hrs but still no direct threat for Fiji
Tropical Cyclone Urmil is expected to potentially intensify to Category 3 within the next 12 hours, however it is not expected to directly impact ...
2 hours ago

Good news for drivers as fuel prices drop, but gas prices increase from tomorrow
Good news for drivers across Fiji as fuel prices will decrease, while households will pay more for gas. The new prices will take effect from ...
2 hours ago

Fiji Airways monitoring weather conditions, flights operating as scheduled
Fiji Airways is closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions and all flights are currently operating as scheduled.They say the airline remains ...
3 hours ago

Heavy Rain Warning in force for all of Fiji as TC Urmil expected to pass southeast tonight
A Heavy Rain Warning is in force for all of Fiji, while a Flash Flood Alert is in effect for the Western Division from Sigatoka to Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, ...
3 hours ago

Police seek public’s help to identify woman found dead in Wainibuku creek
Police are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a woman whose body was found floating in a creek near a residence in Naidiridiri in ...
4 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
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 ...
1 day ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
1 day ago

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 ...
22 days ago

TOP