At 27, Reapi becomes Dux after being turned away when in Year 13

After being turned away from her Year 13 external exam because her family could not afford $570 in school fees, Reapi Tabuaniviti finally returned to complete her education years later at Matua School in Nabua, and became the Dux.

While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Tabuaniviti says she was 18 years old when she was stopped from entering the exam room at Dawasamu Secondary School due to unpaid fees of $190 per term for three terms.

She says she had hoped the school would allow her to sit the exam and arrange payment later, but she was denied entry.

That day, she quietly walked away from school, unsure if she would ever return.

When she got home, she chose not to burden her parents with her disappointment.

She says that her father was battling prostate cancer and was bedridden.

The family was already struggling financially.

Instead of giving up, Reapi stepped into the workforce to help support her family.

Insert: Reapi I can do it 17th Feb 26

She says that she worked as a cashier at a supermarket before later securing a role as a librarian at Lawaki District School.

But the dream of finishing school never left her.

In 2019, as her father’s health declined further, she adds that he asked her to come home and care for him.

She says that without hesitation, she resigned from her job and spent nearly two years by his side.

She adds that he sacrificed a lot for them and looking after him was very important to her.

Years later, now married and raising her own family, Tabuaniviti made the brave decision to return to school.

In 2024, she enrolled in the Matua Programme at Nabua Secondary School, giving herself a second chance at the education she once lost.

She admits walking back into the classroom after years away was emotional.

Tabuaniviti says that she was scared and had to spent so many years away from school, but she knew she had to go back.

Today, Reapi stands as a powerful reminder that circumstances may delay dreams but they do not have to end them.