Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son

The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell Boleilovoni, achievement after receiving a Certificate in Quantity Survey Level 6 at the Fiji National University graduation yesterday.

Joseph passed away in December last year, and his elder brother Epineri Boleilovoni courageously went up to the podium to receive it on his behalf.

While speaking to fijivillage News, Epineri says he had mixed emotions when walking up the aisle to receive his brother’s certificate, thinking about his hard work in the three years of his study.

Epineri says even though Joseph is not present anymore to witness his hard work, his family has witnessed the fruits of his dedication and perseverance.

The 25-year-old says that being a farmer in the village receiving the certificate on behalf of his late brother, motivated him to further his studies.

Boleilovoni’s mother, Joanne Rymell, says she wished her son was there to receive his certificate himself, but that is impossible, and they need to move forward.

Rymell says it is hard to be sad when seeing other graduates smiling after receiving their certificates.

The 54-year-old is urging students who are still studying and facing challenges to be able to talk to people and share whatever things they are facing, and not to keep things to themselves.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba's gesture of presenting Joseph's gown to his brother, Epineri, was deeply moving.