Ms Tuapati chose the remote location and has never regretted it

Becoming a teacher isn’t for everyone, but with passion and a willingness to serve, people can make a real difference in a child’s life.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Sereana Tuapati said her love for teaching has taken her to many classrooms across the country, even to the most remote schools in Rotuma.

Ms. Tuapati is currently the principal of Rotuma High School, the only secondary school on the island.

Originally from Rewa, she has maternal links to Uto village in Nadi and has been teaching in Rotuma since 2017.

Since accepting the appointment from the Ministry of Education seven years ago, Ms. Tuapati has never looked back.

She said she accepted the new challenge and moved to the island with her two sons.

“I’m a bit of an adventurous person. Teaching in the most remote school in Fiji would be a challenge but I said ‘you know what? Why not!’” Ms Toupati shared with this newspaper.

“I taught geography, social science and history, and because I counseled and mentored, I became a school counselor.”

She said it was challenging to teach in an environment where the locals didn’t speak your language, however, she was able to learn about the local culture.

“I came here with my family, my two sons, and they even attended Rotuma High School.

“There’s a lot of respect here, especially for the kids, and I work really well with the teachers.

The graduate of Adika Kobaw School had a strong desire to take up teaching since childhood.

She started her teaching career at Gau Secondary School in 1998 and later moved to Dilkusha High School, Waidina Secondary School and Mulomulo Secondary School.

“There were a lot of vacancies. Somehow I found out that this is what I am good at and what I am passionate about,” Ms Tuapati said.

She said despite its remote location, most Rotuma students at her high school were hardworking and moved to Viti Levu to further their studies.

“We have two students who have received Chinese scholarships. They are currently in China.”

She said one of her students is now studying medicine and other students are being encouraged to pursue in-demand careers.

“Every year we make sure we have students heading into these fields (such as teaching and nursing) because there are so many opportunities afterwards and these fields are in high demand.”

Retiring and settling in Rotuma seemed attractive, however, she felt that she would have to think carefully about the idea as she wanted to spend more time with her family on the mainland.

She urged young people in Fiji to consider taking up the noble profession of teaching as it plays an important role in shaping the lives of children and communities.

“Teaching is a commitment to lifelong learning,” Ms. Tuapati said.

“It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you find you’re good at it, then maybe you can move on to a field that’s in high demand, like math, physics, computers, industrial arts, etc.

“Because not only will you get a job, you will also have the opportunity to influence the minds of young people and make them responsible and productive citizens of the future.”