Busy Everyday | A mother’s dedication to supporting her family

For Lenisa Vurusa, she has no intention of giving up her career as a market vendor, either in this life or the next.

Ms. Wurusa, who hails from Wanike in Namosi, is no different from all the hard-working mothers who spend their days raising their children in the bitter cold and heat.

She is a hard-working and determined mother who has been providing customers with the freshest produce from the market for more than a decade. She does this to support the education of her four children.

“I started selling in the market around 2006 or 2007,” Ms Vurusa said.

“I love being a market vendor because it provides for my family and helps ensure my children’s future.”

It was her love for her four children – Lavenia Adi Bilo, Eremasi Vuki, Ponipote Nayavusowata and Tevita Rayaseyase – that kept her going.

“I want to see my children succeed in life.

“Everything I have done in my life has been about ensuring my children receive the best education to become successful Fijians in the future.”

What is certain is that her customers are increasingly interested in buying local products.

“The prices of vegetables are low now, but they were very high before. I am really happy to serve a wide variety of customers who buy a variety of vegetables from me.

“So, this career allows me to be my own boss.”

Surprisingly, her original dream was to become a nurse, but due to financial difficulties, this dream was soon shattered.

“Becoming a nurse has been my biggest dream since I was a little girl because you can really make a difference in people’s lives.”

“As a nurse, we give people hope sometimes during the worst times of their lives.”

But from the way she carried herself and her confidence, we could tell that the shattering of her dream didn’t stop her from making one of the best choices of her life.

Besides her busy schedule, a day of sunbathing at the beach is her ideal way to relax.

Ms. Vurusa hopes to continue doing what she loves doing now for the next five years.

She encouraged her fellow Fijians who are going through hardships to stay strong and keep fighting.

“I just want to give some advice to people who are struggling in life to stay determined and resilient in the days ahead.

“The road to success is endless. As long as we pray to God and keep working hard, everything will be fine.”