Christmas will be especially meaningful this year for Ratu Peni Todua, a 31-year-old single father from Toga, Rewa, as he celebrates not only the festive season but also a major personal achievement, which is graduating from the Valelevu Youth Training Centre and achieving the award for Best Overall Trainee.
Ratu Peni, who lives with his uncle and aunt, joined the Youth Centre earlier this year following encouragement from his brothers.
Speaking to fijivillage News, he says what began as a step of faith has now become a turning point in his life, which he believes is a blessing from God.
He says his time at the Youth Centre was not without hardship and he faced several challenges, including financial struggles, travel costs, and difficult moments during his training.
INSERT: Ratu Peni on challenges 22nd Dec
He says that as a single father, the challenges were even greater, and throughout his studies, his thoughts were often with his young son, who lives with him, his uncle, and cousins in the village.
He adds that the responsibility for his son kept him focused on his goals.
Ratu Peni says that before joining the centre, he worked in the hotel industry, and that this opportunity came later than it should have.
He believes he should have joined the centre five years ago, and that now he can see a future for both his son and himself.
This Christmas, Ratu Peni plans to celebrate quietly with his family and his son, who turns six next year and will begin kindergarten.
He says for him, the season is about gratitude, faith, and hope.
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