UNITED BLIND PERSONS OF FIJI A Stepping Stone Narayan ..... 24 Pushpa Karan..... 25 Rakesh Chand ... 2005 saw Ana at the United Blind Persons of Fiji, helping with the activities organised

1A Stepp ing Stone Uni ted B l ind Persons of F i j i

E M P O W E R I N G O T H E R S T H R O U G H S H A R E D E X P E R I E N C E S

A Stepping StoneEmpower ing Others Through Shared Exper iences

UNITED BLIND PERSONS OF FIJI

apidsAustralia Paci�c Islands Disability Support





apids

Edited by Senimilia Seru

Funded and supported by the Australia Pacific Island Disability Support (APIDS)

December 2013

SUVA, FIJI



© Copyright United Blind Persons of Fiji, 2013

All rights for commercial / for profit reproduction or translation, in any form, reserved. The United Blind Persons of Fiji authorises the partial reproduction or translation of this material for scientific, educational or research purposes, provided that the source documents are properly

acknowledged. Permission to reproduce the document and/or translate in whole, in any form, whether for commercial / for profit or non-profit purposes, must be requested in writing. Original artwork may not be altered or separately published without permission.



mentioned that they had represented Fiji in international athletic competitions for persons with disabilities.

Access to education is an issue which dominates these stories. Eleven of these persons are studying or have completed their studies at University of the South Pacific (USP) or Fiji National University (FNU). Two have studied or are studying in Australian universities. They either have completed or are working towards a range of qualifications - Extension Studies (3), Foundation Studies (2), Teaching Certificate (3), Diplomas (3), Advanced Diploma (1), Bachelor Degree (3) and Masters Degree (1).

This booklet will be a wonderful resource for UBP. It will raise awareness of the issues faced by vision-impaired and blind per-sons throughout Fiji. It will also be a tool with which to advocate for their human rights including access to inclusive education and decent employment.

Ms Lanieta TuimabuPresident of United Blind Persons (UBP), September 2013

The United Blind Persons of Fiji (UBP) was established in 1992 by a group of blind individuals to lobby and advocate on behalf of blind and vision-impaired persons. This was in response to an obvious need to raise the awareness of the general public on issues affecting people with vision impairment. UBP is made up of vision-impaired and sighted persons and is an affiliate of the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation. The mission of United Blind Persons of Fiji is to advocate for the rights of blind and vision-impaired persons and to break down barriers to their full participation in all areas of life in Fiji and at all levels of society. This advocacy work encourages persons who are blind and sight-impaired to realise their right to work productively and fruitfully so that their contributions will build a more inclusive, just community.

“A Stepping Stone” contains 29 stories of UBP members, including six UBP Board Members. These members come from both the Western and Central Divisions of Fiji. Twelve of the stories are from those employed in a range of industries including manu-facturing, teaching, human rights training, banking, office work, media and the garment industry. Six stories are about persons working in the disability sector, including two working on the IDEA Program. Five stories are about persons who are self-employed in the farming, music or massage industries. Three are studying full-time and one is studying part-time. Three are looking for employment.

Persons with disability are renowned for their loyalty as employees and these stories testify to that. Three of the workers have been with the same employer for over 20 years and another two have been with the same employer for over ten years. These stories also highlight sporting achievements – four persons

“Never look down on yourself because of your disability. Instead use your disability as a stepping stone to open new doors. Always strive forward and always try to make a difference for the better.”

Ruci Senikula

I N T R O D U C T I O N



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

United Blind Persons (UBP) owes much gratitude to the Australia Pacific Island Disability Support (APIDS) for their generous fund-ing for this booklet, A Stepping Stone.

APIDS was established as a non-profit organisation in 2005 to assist disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) to contribute towards poverty alleviation for persons with disabilities in Pacific Island countries. APIDS is made up of volunteers with experience in disability issues. It supports DPOs to meet the objectives they have prioritised for themselves. Through this funding, the Execu-tive Board of UBP was able to assign two members to interview UBP members and write their stories. UBP would like to thank APIDS for the funding of this publication as well as for their tremendous support over many years.

Heartfelt thanks also go out to the UBP Secretariat Team of Serafina Underwood, Lydia Bukarau, Louisa Underwood, Brian Lesione, Emily-Ann Underwood and Vanessa Turagakula for their tireless contributions during the write-up of this booklet. I would like to thank Brian in particular for assistance with home visits and interviews. Also I would like to thank the two volunteers from Australian Volunteers International (AVI), Sara Lyons (proofread-ing) and Tara Dias (layout/design).

A special thank-you to all the members of United Blind Persons (UBP) who generously gave their time to have their stories documented and to Anaseini Vakaidia and Semiti Matanitobua for their immense input during the interviews and gathering of stories.

Without the help of all these people and their endless support this booklet wouldn’t have been possible.

Senimilia SeruEditor of “A World of Possibilities – Empowering Others Through Shared Experiences”December 2013“APIDS was established as a non-profit organisation in

2005 to assist disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) to contribute towards poverty alleviation for persons with disabilities in Pacific Island countries.”



C O N T E N T

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Anaseini Vakaidia ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Angeline Chand .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Fuata Faktaufon ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Imran Ali ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Inise Vuli................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Jolame Koronivalu Daulako......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Josua Naulumatua Tokalaulevu ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Krishneel Sharma .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Gulshar Nisha ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Lanieta Tuimabu ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18

Milika Roro ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Moushmi Narain ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20

Naomi Underwood ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Nelam Jyotika Naidu ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Petaia Votu ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Pravin Narayan .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24

Pushpa Karan ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Rakesh Chand ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Ranjesh Prakash ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

Ratu Tevita Bolakivei Susu .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Ravin Lal ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Romulo Votu ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 30

Ruci Senikula ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Sainimili Tawake ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Sairusi Tabulawaki ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Sarita Devi ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 35

Setareki Macanawai ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 36

Sovaia Sisi Colala ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 37

Suresh Chand ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38





Working together towards a free and equal society for all is a passion for Anaseini Vakaidia.

Ana, as she is most commonly known to most, is the eldest of three children. She hails from the village of Nawaisomo, Nagonenicolo in the province of Naitasiri.

At the early age of 18 months, Ana contracted measles and as a result of this, her eyes were affected. Attempts by doctors to improve her vision through eye operations were not as successful as hoped for by her parents and family.

In 1991, Ana’s parents enrolled her in the village primary school to begin her academic journey. Fortunately for Ana, her teacher noticed her vision impairment and referred her to the Fiji School for the Blind. The next year Ana transferred to Fiji School for the Blind and continued her primary school education until she completed Class 8. Ana and her classmates were the first batch of students to sit the government exams at the school in Vatuwaqa.

Ana attended Cathedral Secondary School from 2001 to 2004 for her Form 3 to Form 6 education. This was a different ball game altogether for her as she had to familiarise herself with her new surroundings, new students and new teachers.

Ana encountered many challenges throughout her school years. Her first challenge was learning independent living skills at a very young age at the hostel for the Fiji School for the Blind. During secondary school, Ana borrowed books from friends at Cathedral to keep herself up to par with the notes. This was a very difficult time for her, but due to her patience and perseverance she was able to reap the rewards by completing both her primary and secondary education with a flourish.

2005 saw Ana at the United Blind Persons of Fiji, helping with the activities organised by the association.

Ana was the Advocacy Co-ordinator for the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation for a year and later she participated in research on disability services in the Pacific, which was co-ordinated by the Pacific Disability Forum. She says that she was very fortunate to have participated in this research because it boosted her level of confidence and it also broadened her knowledge in terms of working with Disabled People’s Organisations in the Pacific Region.

From humble beginnings as a volunteer, Ana today holds a senior position as the Programme Officer at the United Blind Persons of Fiji Secretariat.

Ana encourages her friends and colleagues who share her disability, whether born with or acquired, never to think that it is the end of the world. She also says that life is not a bed of roses and that one will face challenges but one needs to overcome those challenges in order to be successful in life. Ana’s success stands as a wonderful inspiration to others.

Anaseini Vakaidia



Angeline Chand

Impairment in any shape or form is detrimental to one’s looks, comfort, health and success. However, be that as it may, Angeline Chand was not phased-out by her disability. She was born with no vision in the right eye and has limited vision in her left eye.

Angeline is an only child. Both her parents are deceased and she is married with one son who is currently doing a Bachelor of Science at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

Angeline began her education in the normal way starting with pre-school. Fortunately for Angeline, she had an observant teacher at pre-school who recognised her impairment and recommended that she be taken to the Eye Department at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. She was then referred to the Fiji School for the Blind.

The Fiji School for the Blind had just introduced their Inclusive Education Programme and Angeline with two others were the first to pilot the initiative. After taking part in the Inclusive Education Programme, Angeline attended a primary school near her home where she enjoyed the company of other children. Whilst at pre-school, the other children did not really notice her impairment and she felt comfortable with them. However at the Fiji School for the Blind which operated out of the Cripple Children’s School at the time, there were numerous first-time experiences for her. She was actually seeing blind people for the first time, plus people with different types of disabilities ranging from severely intellectually affected people to children running around trying to bite others. For a 5 year old this was quite traumatic, to say the least.

When the Fiji School for the Blind moved to Vatuwaqa, the environment was friendlier with only ten children per class. This

allowed teachers to spend more time with each child. Angeline learned Braille.

Angeline was then reintroduced to a normal primary school where a class had 40-45 pupils and where most of the notes were written on the blackboard. She had to borrow books from her friends during breaks in order to catch up with her notes as she couldn’t see the board. This impairment did not limit Angeline and she was able to successfully complete both her primary and secondary education.

Angeline took Secretarial Studies, and then continued at USP studying units in English, Community Development and Social Work. Her education empowered her for future employment. Her versatility saw her working for the United Blind Persons of Fiji in organising some activities and assisting in many others. She worked for Disabled People’s Organisations like the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation over a period of 15 years.

In 2008 she joined the Pacific Disability Forum as a Gender Youth Officer. She was later appointed to the position of DPO Development Officer within the Pacific Disability Forum. Her job involves developing the capacity of the member DPOs in 16 Pacific Island Countries by helping them with their program delivery, assisting them in their project proposals and arranging their travel itineraries.

Vision impairment has been no obstacle for Angeline. She admits that life may be a struggle, but she doesn’t let that hinder her from giving it her best shot.

Angeline advises others to find a blind friend, relate to them, join them, listen to them, encourage them and be yourself when you are with them. It will be a rewarding experience for you both.



Fuata Faktaufon

When a baby is born into this world with ten fingers, ten toes, good vision and hearing – when everything is perfectly normal – the family rejoices. When this good fortune is abruptly halted six years later – the family mourns.

Unfortunately, this is what happened to Fuata Faktaufon when as a six year-old, his right eye was pierced with a pencil by a classmate. Fuata was born in 1976. He has one sister and five brothers.

After his right eye was pierced, Fuata was admitted to Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital. The doctors were unable to help him and recommended that he be taken to New Zealand for an operation. In 1983 he underwent an operation at Christchurch Hospital and spent the next eight months under observation. When he returned home, he spent the next year on medication. Unfortunately, the vision in his left eye deteriorated and he became severely vision-impaired.

In 1985 Fuata attended the Fiji School for the Blind continuing his Class 2 education. He then returned to his previous school, Veiuto Primary, where he completed his primary school education. He went to high school at Suva Grammar School for 1991 to 1996.

Fuata is married and is a qualified experienced teacher. He obtained his teaching certificate from Lautoka Teachers College in 2003. Although he had graduated with his teaching certificate, Fuata was unable to enter the Ministry of Education system. He returned to Fiji School for the Blind, where he did volunteer work as a teacher aide. Finally in 2008 he was posted by the Ministry of Education to Lovu Sangam Primary School. After a short time at his new school, he decided to apply for a transfer to the Fiji

School for the Blind to continue the work he had been doing. Fuata still is teaching at the Fiji School for the Blind.

Fuata experienced many barriers at school which hampered his participation in school activities because he was judged by his disability and not his abilities. These same barriers impeded Fuata’s participation in decent employment. It took five years after graduating from Lautoka Teachers’ College to become a teacher in the Ministry of Education due to discrimination based on his disability.

Fuata wants to encourage other persons with disability not to look at their disability as a drawback. He advises, “Concen-trate on your abilities. Develop and expand your skills and gradually step-by-step – you will add more and more to your achievements. No matter how hard life might be, never give up as your strength and resilience will be enhanced by the chal-lenges you face.”

In 2012, Fuata had the privilege to attend computer training for blind and vision impaired persons at the Teruko Ikeda Information Communications Technology (ICT) Centre in Penang Malaysia. He is now a leader and advocate of ICT for members of the blind community in Fiji.

Finally, Fuata says he just wants to be accepted and included so that he can fully participate and freely contribute to society.



Imran Ali

When Imran Ali was young he could only see with his right eye and when he was 17 years old he lost his sight completely. For Imran this was very upsetting and difficult. It took a long time for him to accept his predicament.

Fortunately, Imran had relatives who cared and one relative, Ms Margaret Cooper, informed Imran’s mother about the Fiji School for the Blind. From that moment on, Imran’s environment changed. He travelled from Rakiraki Town to the Fiji School for the Blind where he learnt Braille, basic living skills, computer skills, agriculture and mobilisation amongst other things.

Learning these skills was not easy but once he got the hang of it he grew in confidence and experience. Imran possessed qualities which enabled him to accept criticism without allowing it to get him down.

After Imran finished primary school at the Fiji School for the Blind, he attended the Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre at Brown Street for vocational training. He then attended massage training at the Tamavua Rehabilitation Centre, learning traditional Thai massage.

Today Imran is a masseur at 15 Pender Street, Suva. He is greatly indebted to the United Blind Persons of Fiji for aiding and supporting him immensely. He is happy to be a member of UBP. If there is any advice that Imran would like to render to

vision-impaired persons, it is not to lose hope or be negative about one’s self because whatever able-bodied persons can do, vision-impaired persons can also do. In fact vision impairment may give a person opportunities to develop superior skills in other areas.



Inise Vuli

Inise Vuli is originally from Mabula in the Lau Group of Islands. She is the third eldest in a family of five and was born blind. Her early years were spent in her mother’s village in Kadavu.

When Inise was still a baby, her father had a vision that Inise’s sight would be restored, and this provided motivation for much fasting and praying with loved ones and fellow church members.

Although it took long periods of fasting and prayer, results were achieved and Inise’s vision was partially restored. At the age of fourteen, Inise started to see shadows, and at the age of fifteen she could tell the difference between light and darkness. Around this time, Inise’s parents were informed by her doctor that as Inise grew up her vision would improve and become stronger but later she would lose her vision. This turned out to be true, but before she lost her sight, Inise could tell the difference between people and trees. This was when she was sixteen.

When Inise was still a teenager in Kadavu, her parents made a bold move to relocate and educate all their children in Suva. In their first few weeks in Suva, her parents found out about Hilton Special School and they enrolled her. Later she moved to the School for the Blind at Vatuwaqa. Attending both these schools and later Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities (FVTTCPD) did pay dividends. Inise learnt Braille, book binding, screen printing, wood working and even learned how to assemble gas stoves.

The foregoing augured well for Inise as it led to job stints at the FVTTCPD, at Lee’s Bakery and at a bean factory. At FVTTCPD, Inise’s job was screen painting. At Lee’s Bakery her job was to

separate the mouldings and then pass them on to be used to pack biscuits and cookies, and at the bean factory, it was frying beans.

These jobs were quite challenging for her, especially working alongside able-bodied people who took quite some time to understand and to accept people with disabilities.

Today, even though Inise has lost her vision as the doctor had predicted, she nevertheless owns a home - thanks to the So-cial Welfare Department - and is also currently running her own massage parlour at the Suva Flea Market.

For Inise, owning her own business is a great achievement. She is greatly indebted to many people, particularly Master Kalil and Master Tahir, her teachers at Hilton Special School. She thanks her parents and also gives thanks to God Almighty for temporarily giving her partial vision.



Jolame Koronivalu Daulako

During his younger years, Jolame Koroinivalu Daulako held two jobs. One job was as a Civil Servant Engineer with the Public Works Department and the other as a Member of the Fiji Military Territorial Force. Being part of this ‘military institution’ meant fol-lowing orders to be deployed both locally and abroad to war-torn areas like the Middle East. In 1978, Jolame was a member of the first batch of soldiers assigned to peace-keeping duties in Lebanon under the then leadership of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the current President of our Nation.

Amongst the varied duties of every soldier, one is to clean all his weaponry. During one of those cleaning sessions, Jolame sustained damage to his eyes which gradually caused loss of vision leading to total blindness. All efforts to restore his vision both locally and abroad proved futile.

Jolame did not allow his disability to prevent him from living life as normally as possible. Today, he is 78 years old, and continues to work in and around the home, on his plantation and at his piggery. He is always careful not to hurt himself. He also attends family, church and public functions. He believes that being a member of the Boy Scouts as a young boy played an important role in helping him cope with life’s challenges.

Jolame owes a great deal of debt to his lovely wife, Loata, who has stuck by him through thick and thin. He is forever grateful for her abiding love.



Josua Naulumatua Tokalaulevu

When Josua Naulumatua Tokalaulevu’s mother was six months pregnant, she gave birth to Josua who was born blind. For the first three months of his life on Earth, his residence was the Maternity Unit Incubator.

Josua’s parents, after being informed by the doctor that Josua was blind, accepted his disability. Josua says he never felt neglected at all and was brought up in a good family.

In 1994, an Aunt of Josua’s found out about the Fiji School for the Blind. In that same year Josua’s parents and Josua set out to explore the school and the educational opportunities that existed for him.

Josua attended kindergarten and primary school at the Fiji School for the Blind and secondary school at DAV College Suva.

Josua was introduced to boarding life at a very early age, as he was only in kindergarten. Unused to being away from home, he became home sick and his mother had to stay a while with him until he settled down. In fact it took a good couple of months for Josua to settle to his new environment. Besides learning to look after himself, he had to tidy his bed, wash the dishes, wash his own clothes and move around by himself. Josua also learnt at the Fiji School for the Blind to read and write using Braille and to count using ice block sticks. When Josua sat for internal and external examinations, he used Braille.

It was not all rosy for Josua as he faced obstacles along the way. Learning Braille was complicated, attending secondary school was challenging and travelling by public transport alone was daunting, but Josua persevered.

Today, Josua works as a masseur after undergoing training at the Tamavua Rehabilitation Hospital. He is also a member of the United Blind Persons of Fiji.

His advice to fellow citizens is to treat people with disabilities as equals who have rights to equal opportunities.



Krishneel Sharma

Krishneel Sharma lost his vision when he was 10 due to the carelessness of doctors who cut a nerve in his eye while operating on him. He and his family were quite shocked at what had taken place and did not know what to do or how to react. Attempts overseas to restore his vision failed. In time Krishneel and his family have shown their resilience and have managed to adapt and cope.

For Krishneel, encountering darkness and moving around were major obstacles. He is thankful for the advice of a field worker in Lautoka, who in 2002 advised his parents to enrol him at the Fiji School for the Blind. Hence Krishneel attended the Fiji School for the Blind from class 5 to 8. He learnt many valuable lessons, including basic living skills, mobility, and learning to type using the Braille machine. By day Krishneel attended classes and by night he practised using the Braille machine. He learnt the very important lesson that life must go on and that he needed to carry on with life, just like any other child.

Krishneel attended secondary school at DAV College Suva up to Form 7 where he showed that he was just as normal as any other child when it came to academic ability. He passed with flying colours, even scoring the highest marks in several subjects. His crowning glory as far as education is concerned was when he attended the Fiji National University and graduated with a Diploma in Management.

Krishneel is a Board Member of the United Blind Persons of Fiji and has also represented Fiji in the Arafura Games in the 100 and 200 metres. He is currently looking for employment. Krishneel hopes to be employed soon. He wants to share his skills and knowledge in order to benefit both the community and the economy of Fiji.



Gulshar Nisha

At the tender ages of eight and ten, Gulshar Nisha underwent two eye operations. The first operation enabled Gulshar to see slightly but after the second operation she lost her vision completely. This loss of vision led to Gulshar feeling down and out but then she began to gradually cope with the changes in her life and the challenges that came her way.

Her first challenge was to attend the Fiji School for the Blind where she attended school for three years as a boarder. She learned to read and write using Braille and how to live an independent life. Another challenge was taking up a job with the Southern Cross AC Food Factory which was arranged for Kulsha while still at school.

Gulshar has worked for Southern Cross AC Food for 25 years now. Along the way she has contributed immensely towards her family by extending their kitchen so that her mum has more space to work in. She has also purchased a car for the family.

Gulshar says that she is lucky to have parents who have continued to support her. She is glad that she has been able to repay them a favour and hopes to continue to repay them for a long time.



Lanieta Tuimabu

For Lanieta Tuimabu, the current President of UBP, what started off as a bad headache culminated in loss of vision after contacting meningitis. That was way back in 1985 when Lanieta was just 12 years old. For a period of seven years, Lanieta was in and out of hospital with dreams, hopes and anticipation that her vision would be restored soon and to the fullest extent.

When Lanieta became blind, her parents were quite shocked and it took them a long time to come to terms with Lanieta’s situation. But that did not deter them from pursuing a cure for Lanieta. After searching and searching for help here and there, they found Fijian herbs for Lanieta to drink which helped in restoring her vision slightly, but it was better than nothing.

Finally, Lanieta’s parents understood her situation and they were advised by Lanieta’s doctor, Doctor Maharaj, to enter Lanieta into the Fiji School for the Blind to continue her education.

This was a decision that they were never to regret and led to Lanieta attending classes four and five at the Fiji School for the Blind; classes six, seven and eight as an integrated student at Marcellin Primary School; and forms three to six at Ballantine Memorial School.

For Lanieta, continuing her education was not a bed of roses as she encountered numerous challenges. One of the major challenges was that the Principal of Ballantine Memorial School at the time found it hard to accept her, include her and let her participate fully in the school community.

But thanks to the motherly love and understanding of the then Vice Principal, Mrs. Margret Sotutu, and also the encouraging

support of Lanieta’s mentor, Mr. Setareki Macanawai, Lanieta was accepted as a Form Three student of Ballantine Memorial School. Lanieta will never forget the inspiring words of Mrs. Sotutu, who challenged her to work hard to achieve whatever she wanted and to prove everyone wrong.

Lanieta rose to the challenge. She has proven that those who looked down on her and excluded her, completely underestimated her abilities and her determination. She studied at USP completing units in language, literature and communications skills.

Since 1993, Lanieta has worked for the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation as their Customer Services and Membership Coordinator. Computer technology has been a great help in her job. She received advanced training in software called Job Access with Speech (JAWS) in New Zealand. She also attended information communications technology (ICT) for blind and vision impaired persons in Penang Malaysia in 2010.

Besides being the President of the UBP, she is a member of several DPO boards including the Pacific Disability Forum and the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation. Lanieta has attended and contributed to many forums - locally and abroad - dealing with disability issues. Lanieta is currently studying for the Diploma in Leadership, Good Governance and Human Rights at the University of the South Pacific.

Lanieta is proud that she rose to Mrs Sotutu’s challenge and has proven her abilities in so many ways over so many years. By Lanieta’s example, she challenges others to achieve as well.



Milika Roro

Since her birth in 1978, Milika Roro from Nabudrau in the District of Noco in the Province of Rewa, has lived with partial sight.

Milika grew up with vision-impairment. She had a normal education at the Marist Convent, Lami, and then attended St. Joseph Secondary School, reaching Form 4. During this time she received no preferential treatment. However, Milika would deal with her fellow students if they ridiculed her because of her sight impairment.

Motivated by able-bodied people showcasing their dreams of singing and displaying their talents, ignited Milika’s dreams of singing. She had always visualised herself as a singer. Knowing that she had the talent, she participated in various talent quests, like Kaila Star Search and Catch A Rising Star, to name a few. Milika continues to perform in musical concerts to her audiences’ delight.

Life after Form 4 saw Milika at the Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre for People with Disabilities (FVTTCPD). Through this Centre, she has been employed as a supervisor under a Goodman Fielder Contract for the last four years. Her job entails sticking ice cream stickers on lids and counting and packing ice cream sticks.

Milika is very appreciative that the general public is being made more aware of the needs of people with different types of disabilities through the various Disabled Persons Organisa-tions (DPOs). DPOs are strong advocates who bring awareness to the general public of issues facing those with disabilities. The community response is very encouraging.

Unfortunately many organisations, including a few business houses, are still in the dark when it comes to including per-sons with disabilities. Milika had an unpleasant experience at a supermarket when she asked an employee to read a price tag. The employee did not oblige and walked away. After lodging a complaint, Milika was pleasantly surprised on her return to the supermarket to see that the printing on the price tags had been enlarged. Her complaint had been taken seriously and the improvement is good for all.

Milika is of the opinion that perhaps one way to clear up misunderstandings is to inform able-bodied people of one’s disability so that they have the information and the exposure to change their attitudes towards people with disabilities. Mi-lika says there is much more that must be done to advocate for increased awareness, accessibility and participation of peo-ple with disabilities (PWDs). Milika will continue to proudly do her best to improve understanding, acceptance and inclusion of PWDs within the wider community.



Moushmi Narain

Impairments that affect our eyes come in various forms. Moushmi Narain acquired “tunnel vision” through lupus which caused her blood pressure to go extremely high, resulting in blood clots which damaged her vision. She is now unable to see things from the sides of her eyes.

Despite this drawback, she attended Tamavua Primary School during which time she suffered a relapse and had to spend three years at the Blind School. She then attended St. Marceline Primary School, Cathedral Secondary School, and did Form Seven at Laucala Bay Secondary. She proceeded to do an Advanced Diploma in Management at the Fiji National University.

Having being able to reach this stage was not smooth sailing for Moushmi. She experienced difficulties as the teachers did not consider her vision to be impaired. The teachers were not aware that she could not see from the sides so it was a struggle for her during computer classes. In addition Moushmi herself did not understand the reason for her disability until she questioned her doctors about the difference in able-bodied people being able to see out of the side of their eyes, when she could not. It was only after having had a scan, she realised the reason for her visual impairment.

During this period of uncertainty, Moushmi wondered why she found it difficult to locate places and things, shapes and sizes, making her reluctant to take part in school activities. Moushmi did not want to allow this scenario to make her feel disadvantaged, so in 2008 she started working for various Disabled People’s Organisations. She has continued to work to promote the rights of PWD and is currently employed by Femlink Pacific.

Moushmi has noticed that most of the time people consider that totally blind people need assistance and seem to forget that those with limited vision need assistance too. She advocates that people understand their impairments, find out what can be done to improve things, accept them, and then move on with life. After all, it is only your vision that is impaired. You are capable of doing anything.

Moushmi encourages PWD to look beyond their impairments and find a way to contribute to society. Don’t make excuses because, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”



Naomi Underwood

INaomi Underwood lived a normal life until class five at Stella Marist School when her left eye was injured. According to Naomi, the incident was traumatising. Later, she underwent a tumour operation and at that stage, both Naomi and her parents did not know the severity of the damage to her eye.

After treatments, Naomi carried on. Although school became a struggle, she was not overly concerned because she believed that her eye would get better. Her teachers and friends constantly assured her that her eye was going to clear up and she would be back on her feet again in no time, but to her disappointment, this did not eventuate.

Naomi began her junior secondary school education at St. Thomas High School in Lautoka. In Form One, she started to feel the severity of the damage to her eye. Naomi struggled with school work and found it difficult to keep up. Sadly, in those days, people with disability had no access to computer technology, unlike today.

One day Naomi received a visit from Mr. Frank Hilton. He had heard about Naomi’s plight, and had brought with him an assistive reading device known as Visual Letters which was to help Naomi in her reading. Despite the aid of this device, Naomi’s vision started deteriorating fast and she started to slip back with school work. By this time, the tumour in Naomi’s left eye had caused her right eye to weaken and also caused internal bleeding in her head.

Naomi struggled with reading in Form Three because St. Thomas School did not have any technology to meet her needs. To her shock and dismay, the teachers who taught there advised that if she couldn’t cope with reading, it would be best for her to leave school.

This did not go down well with her parents, so Naomi had to continue with her schooling up to Form Five when it became more difficult for her to cope. It was at this level that Naomi gave up on her education.

For a couple of years she stayed home and did nothing and then one day she heard on the radio about the United Blind Persons (UBP) Association inviting people with vision impairment to their inaugural general meeting. This was an invitation that Naomi snapped up and one that she never regrets accepting. This invitation was the light at the end of the tunnel for Naomi. From then on her progress and development started to move quickly.

Through UBP, Naomi was introduced to technologies that came with more advanced assistive aids. Also through UBP she came to accept her disability and learn about other disabilities, specific needs and human rights issues. All of this opened doorways for trips overseas where she was able to advocate on issues of disability.

Naomi’s tenacity and resilience equipped her to strive for more and she has been rewarded accordingly. The icing on the cake for Naomi was the opportunity to train to become a teacher at the Lautoka Teachers College. She would like to thank Mr Kelepi Salele for his encouragement which had a very positive influence in Naomi’s life.

Naomi faced many challenges undergoing teacher training but she overcame all obstacles and successfully graduated as a teacher. Today Naomi teaches at the Lautoka Special School. Naomi stands as a wonderful role model inspiring other persons with disabilities to dream large.



Nelam Jyotika Naidu

In 1981, Nelam Joytika Naidu, known as Joyti, was born two months premature and spent six weeks in an incubator. She is not sure but she heard that the doctors put her in the incubator for too long and as a result the strong lights damaged her eyes.

Joyti had a cousin about the same age, who was more active than Joyti. When the light was switched on, Jyoti’s cousin would look around to see where the light was coming from but Joyti didn’t respond. Jyoti’s cousin would turn to see the family and smile but Joyti didn’t. That is when the family realised that there was something seriously wrong with Joyti’s vision.

Joyti was brought up by her parents. At the age of five, Joyti entered the Fiji School for the Blind as a boarder. This was difficult for her mother and family to come to terms with, as they felt Joyti was too young to be a boarder. The first few weeks were unbearable for Joyti as she had to be put to sleep by the nuns and when she would wake up, her parents were nowhere to be seen. Joyti soon adapted to school and hostel life, because she had the inner strength to adjust to change. Whatever she learnt at the school, she has applied in life.

While at the school, Joyti had an interesting experience of looking after a baby for a period of time. She believes that despite her predicament, she has no problems with children and can competently care and nurture them.

After attending primary school at the Fiji School for the Blind, Joyti attended secondary school at the Ahamadia Muslim College. Her education was cut short when her mother passed away. She hopes to one day continue her education.

Currently, Joyti is the Treasurer of the Nadi Branch of the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and is also a board member of the United Blind Persons of Fiji (UBP).



Petaia Votu

Petaia Votu was born with vision impairment on 4th June, 1977. He is originally from the village of Nadivakarua in the province of Bua, and has four brothers and a sister.

When he was six years old, Petaia enrolled in the Fiji School for the Blind and he studied there for six years. He went on to Class 7 and 8 at St. Agnes and then completed his secondary education at Cathedral Secondary School at Form 5.

As a youngster he was always drawn to music and as a budding musician he was interested and very keen to learn more. His musical career began with an introduction to, and offer by, Arthur Filtonga to join the Sneak Preview Band at the Trade Winds. This was a new world for Petaia - his first time performing with a live band in a recognised hotel and nightspot, and through the assistance of the United Blind Persons of Fiji, Petaia was able to secure a contract at the Trade Winds in 1996.

Recognised for his musical ability and aspirations, many people were eager to assist Petaia. Reverend Father Peter Loy Chong approached Petaia in 1997 to be part of his youth band called The Good Samaritan. Petaia’s skill in music gained him a contract with the Mocambo Hotel Nadi from 1997 to 2001. His musical diary during the years of 2000 to 2001 saw him being a part of the Solevu Catholic Band in Bua, providing music at the Hotspring Hotel. This singing group- called The Vibration - included Ratu Levu and Philipe Waka and was instrumental in forming an Indian group called the Wild Orchid which was owned by Praveen Chand.

In 2003, Petaia formed the United Blind Person Band with Akuila Rewatabua and Agnes Underwood. They worked at the Beachcomber in 2004, returned to Suva in 2008 and Petaia was a member of a band called the Eastern Brothers who did their thing at the Ranch Night Club owned by Robert Mario. Then he went back to the Beachcomber in 2011. Sometime later in 2011, he was offered employment at the Treasure Island Resort until damage caused to the Resort during a hurricane in 2012, necessitated its closure.

2013 finds Petaia settled in Suva, still pursuing his passion for music, this time at the Rectangle Night Club playing with a band called The Black Rock.

Petaia wishes to encourage people with disabilities. He advises, “Never feel inadequate and never be double-minded. Move on and work towards your goal. Reach for the stars! First you have to have a vision. If you can imagine it, you can see it, and one day you can be it. You will get there - you will reach your goal!”



Pravin Narayan

According to Pravin Nararyan, the wider community hasn’t grasped the impact of disability or understood the structural and attitudinal barriers experienced by persons with impairments.

Pravin Narayan’s nuclear family consists of his parents, five brothers, four living and one deceased. Pravin completed his primary education at Saraswati Primary and secondary education at Saraswati College up to Form 4. It was in Form 4 that his low vision rendered him unable to pursue further education.

He stayed home for two years and then enrolled in the Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities (FVTTCPD) at Brown Street, Suva. This is where he learnt the techniques of screen printing and book binding.

Due to the generous practice of various business houses offering some form of on-the-job training, Pravin was able to train as a receptionist at Life Insurance Corporation of India for two weeks and then three months at Rewa Dairy. This experience inspired Pravin to apply for employment. When there were no positive responses, he returned to FVTTCPD in Brown Street, where he met a strong advocate for the disabled, Mr. Frank Hilton. Mr. Hilton believed in inclusive employment and through his many contacts, he arranged jobs in a range of industries for PWDs. Mr. Hilton arranged employment for Pravin at United Apparel. Pravin has been there for the last twenty years.

In 2005, Pravin suffered from kidney failure and had to travel to India for an operation. He was away for three months and on his return was very fortunate to continue his employment with United Apparel. Pravin says he is a ‘jack of all trades and master of none’. Nevertheless his job description is ‘helper’ and some of his duties are to take out stitches from the garments

and cuts threads. Pravin is very appreciative of United Apparel’s management’s acceptance of his disability which has allowed him to fully participate in his workplace.

Pravin is married with two sons, one in Class 7 and one in kindergarten and the family lives in Navuso. Now that his younger son has started school, his wife is able to travel daily with him, as his vision is deteriorating quite rapidly.

Pravin has come to terms with his disability and has been able to work to support his family. Pravin’s life stands out as an inspiring example of dedication to his family and loyalty to his workplace. Pravin should be a stimulus to others with similar impairments.

As a matter of fact, Pravin’s life stands out as an inspiring example to everyone in the community – both the disabled and able-bodied. Pravin advises that all persons should be treated with respect and as equals.



Pushpa Karan

Pushpa’s family consisted of three brothers and four sisters including herself. All were able-bodied except for Puspa as she was born blind. One brother passed away in 2000 and all her other siblings are married. One brother lives in Hawaii and the other is a farmer in Vaivai, Lautoka, which is 10 kilometres from the city of Lautoka.

Pushpa’s parents may not have been aware that there was a school for the Blind, as Pushpa started her education very late. In 1982 she discontinued her schooling and joined Jasper Vocational Training Centre and was accommodated at the Jasper Williams Hostel. A year later, she commenced working at Punjas where she packed soap and candles, amongst other things. Later she worked at Westpac.

Motivated by feelings of independence, she contemplated living in her own flat. This soon became a reality when two of her friends moved in with her. Eventually she decided to go ‘solo’, as she defines it, and she found it was really good to be on her own. She lives independently, and has a housemaid who comes in twice a week to do washing and cleaning and also her weekly marketing.

Always eager to widen her horizons, Pushpa attended a trainers’ workshop in Navua to become an advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness. On this project, she worked in close proximity with able-bodied persons which was a challenging situation for her.

Not allowing anything to deter, she is keen to learn and achieve more in the days to come.



Rakesh Chand

Rakesh Chand is totally blind and is married with one child. He comes from an agricultural background.

When Rakesh was about five years old, his right eye was injured in an accident. He was admitted to hospital. Being away from parents, siblings and extended family, he found quite boring. After six months, no information was forthcoming regarding treatment for his eyes, so he returned home and life was perfect. Then he noticed differences in daylight and sunset and his continued and persistent questioning prompted his family to take him back to the Suva Hospital, approximately 100 kilometres away. Rakesh was readmitted and after several check-ups, the doctors realised that he was rapidly losing his sight.

Being a child, he enjoyed his life at the hospital and was not too much aware of his loss of vision until he was sent to a unit of the Fiji Crippled Children School. Here he was very unhappy and could not adjust to being apart from his parents. Despite words of encouragement that the school was just like another hospital, Rakesh found himself calling the teachers ‘nurses’ and ‘doctors’.

It was at this time that his parents were informed by the eye specialist that they could not operate until Rakesh turned 18 as he was too young at the time. There was anticipation that he was going to be able to see after that operation. His parents were very optimistic but they were out of contact with reality as that operation never eventuated and Rakesh became totally blind.

Rakesh received his primary education at the Fiji School for the Blind and then received his secondary education as an integrated student at MGM High School. Then he did vocational training back at the Fiji School for the Blind. Here he was introduced to extension studies at the University of the South Pacific and

took English and Law courses. He also received training and job placement opportunities in different organisations, mainly in the packing industries, insurance agencies, Telecom (originally known as Posts & Telecommunications) and the banking indus-try.

Rakesh is presently employed by Westpac Banking Corporation where he underwent job placement and training after which he successfully relieved a bank officer who went on leave. Thankfully there were no complaints. Rakesh appreciated that relieving stint, and when it was over he applied for employment. Then he had a further three months of vocational training at the Fiji School for the Blind.

Whilst enjoying his Christmas break, Westpac called him in for an interview. He was hired as a switch-board operator, not really his cup of tea, but the pay pack made a world of difference. Within Westpac, Rakesh advanced his career and took on further roles promoting insurance products. After ten years of loyalty to his employers and his occupation, he won a Silver Community Service Award which was presented to him in Australia.

Rakesh is still contributing to Westpac and is a highly esteemed member of their work force. Rakesh also is an outstanding spokesperson on disability issues in his role as President of the Board of Fiji Disabled Persons Federation (FDPF).



Ranjesh Prakash

Ranjesh was born on the 9th of July 1980 and is originally from Ba. His family consists of a brother, a sister and his mom. His dad, the only breadwinner in the family, passed on when he was only six months old. Life was a struggle. In order to send the children to school, Ranjesh’s mom worked in a garment factory. At that time they were residing in their father’s house, an arrangement not conducive to the in-laws, so Ranjesh’s mom did not wait to read their lips and relocated herself and her children. Thus began their independent family life.

Ranjesh’s visual impairment became apparent when he started school as he was having difficulty in seeing things and could not learn like other children. This created an impression to the teachers that he was not alright. In this difficult scenario, especially for one as young as Ranjesh, he felt that no one believed that he could not read or write because he couldn’t see the letters. They did not, or could not, realise that it was his impaired vision that was stopping him. Even his family thought he was acting up and that he did not want to study - which was so far from the truth.

Ranjesh had an operation on his left eye when he was in class five which resulted in complete loss of vision in that eye. Over time vision in his right eye began to deteriorate, culminating in a blur. They say the world is constantly changing and so did Ranjesh’s life.

He believes that he was given a second chance from the man upstairs in the form of a training teacher who was also visually impaired. When this teacher heard of Ranjesh’s plight, he met with Ranjesh’s mother and told her about the Fiji School for the Blind in Suva. Ranjesh moved to Suva in 2002.

Ranjesh had to repeat class five where he enjoyed learning how to read and write in Braille from specialised teachers, and getting used to studying. He completed his primary school education at the Fiji School for the Blind, attended D.A.V. College completing his high school education in 2010. Subsequently he joined the Fiji National University in 2011 successfully completing a Trade Diploma in Office Administration. Ranjesh has been fortunate to be a recipient of an AusAID Scholarship to study for a Bachelor Degree in Development Studies in Sydney, Australia. Apart from his academic success, he has also represented Fiji overseas in sports (athletics).

Ranjesh’s greatest motivator is his mom as he realises how many sacrifices she has made for him. This is what is prompting him to complete his education and find good employment in order to compensate her.

The other people who play a great part in his motivation are those who believe that he cannot perform certain activities be-cause of his disability. Ranjesh heeds those negatives and turns them into positives. As he says, using them as a stepping stone rather than a sinking stone. Ranjesh is motivated by everything associated with difficulty - from training, to travelling and to education.

As a child hoping to become a pilot or a doctor, Ranjesh could not envisage the obstacles ahead of him. That’s yesterday. Today, he puts one foot firmly in front of the other and he is strong in his vision to strive ahead. He is one that accepts his disabilities, acknowledges his abilities, and fearlessly tackles challenges. He has discovered that one has to experience life’s cycle of drawbacks-hard work-achievement in order to grow strong and happy.



Ratu Tevita Bolakivei Susu

RA young Ratu Tevita Bolakivei Susu had a passion for climbing trees. Little did he know that it would cost him his vision through falling and knocking his head on the ground several times. Tevita did not tell a single soul about his falls and only a visit to the doctor revealed internal injury and loss of vision.

Tevita attended Navesi Primary School from Class 1 to Class 3, and after the doctor’s diagnosis, he attended both the Fiji Crippled School and the Fiji School for the Blind. He was a pioneering student of the Fiji School for the Blind and, at that time, classes were only up to Class 6.

When at the Fiji School for the Blind, Tevita found it hard learning Braille but there were other lessons that he learnt such as art and craft, music, and also basic living skills which came in handy throughout his life.

Tevita only spent three years at the Fiji School for the Blind and in 1980 he left to do practical training at the Rehab Centre which was at Knolly Street where he learnt to make coat hangers and belts as well as developing photos.

After his stint at the Rehab Centre, job opportunities opened up for him. Tevita starting off as a garage worker in Lautoka in 1986 where, despite his vision problems, he did painting work, panel beating, tyre and exhaust pipe changing and welding. Tevita had a hand in welding the main gate of the Fiji School for the Blind and also the trampoline that is used at the school.

In 1989, he returned to Suva and worked for one year as a telephone boy for Lakeba Taxis. After that he worked for 17 years as a controller for Bure Taxis. Tevita joked that if anyone needed to know road routes, he would be the right person to ask.

After leaving Bure Taxis, Tevita worked for Fiji Fish for eight years where his duties were to prepare fishing equipment, count fishing hooks, prepare snaps for fishing lines, prepare swivels and pack them in drums, and cut tangled fishing lines for reuse.

Next, Tevita decided to leave Fiji Fish and learn how to massage. He trained in Korea for two weeks and then in China for two months. He now owns a massage parlour which is located at the Flea Market in Suva. Access to credit and obtaining a business license were two challenges which he encountered while setting up his own business. He undertook training to be accredited by the Ministry of Health as a recognised Health Masseur and obtained a Certificate in Medical Massage and Pressure Points. Tevita has many customers and has attracted clientele from as far away as New Zealand, Canada and Africa. One of the highlights since opening his parlour was massaging a woman who was paralysed for 18 years. Today the woman is not only able to move her body, she can now walk.

In between jobs, Tevita played for a band which featured people with vision impairment. He holds a black belt in Judo and represented his country in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.

Tevita is of the opinion that persons with disabilities should have access to inclusive education and employment. The painter cum panel beater cum welder cum telephone boy cum taxi controller cum fish worker cum masseur cum musician has this advice to offer to persons with disability, “Nothing is impossible, but if one is doubtful, nothing is achieved.”



Ravin Lal

Ravin Lal, who comes from Tavua, was born partially blind and his eyesight continued to deteriorate as he matured.

Despite his disability, Ravin began his education and attended Classes 1 to 5. The school could not adjust to meet his needs and finally his impairment became such a hindrance that he had to drop out of school. It was difficult for Ravin to come to terms with his situation, but what made matters worse was that his parents were unaware of the existence of the Fiji School for the Blind. Ravin thought he had no other option but to leave school and stay home.

When he turned 18, Ravin felt the urge to get a job and be like any normal person. Looking for employment proved rather difficult, as his prospective employers turned him away without giving him an opportunity to see what he could and could not do. This did not intimidate Ravin and in 2004, he tried his hand selling produce in the market. Unfortunately the anticipated financial rewards were not realised.

Then in 2006, Ravin underwent an eye operation in India resulting in a slight improvement in his vision. He went on to have two more operations which were not as successful as the first but made some difference. On his return to Fiji, Ravin trained to be a caregiver at the Fiji Council Services in Tavua followed by three months volunteer work at the Tavua Hospital.

At this juncture, Ravin realised that attaining qualifications was very important in order to get a good job and achieve his goals. Ravin applied for a Public Service Commission Scholarship and was successful. Ravin is now studying English at the Fiji National University Namaka Nadi Campus.

Ravin is determined that one day his study will lead him to a job. Giving up is not part of his mentality. In his determination to improve life for other persons with disability, Ravin joined the United Blind Persons of Fiji.

His advice to anyone with disability is, “Persevere, never give up or regard yourself as a non-achiever. Through your determined efforts, you will achieve.”



Romulo Votu

Children can be cruel. Romulo Votu would know because he was a victim of child cruelty. In 1992 when Romulo was in Class 8, a fellow student whacked him with a stick damaging his eyes and causing him to be vision-impaired.

Romulo attended primary school at St. Agnes Primary School and secondary school up to Form 6 at Cathedral Secondary School. At first Romulo found it challenging attending school with sighted students but eventually his fellow students became very supportive and helped him with in many ways including lending him their class notes. Romulo had to use assistive devices to help him see the blackboard but he was fortunate in that he was assisted in secondary school by the visiting teachers from the Fiji School for the Blind.

After Form 6 in 1996, Romulo involved himself serving various organisations. First he joined his church youth group and participated in many activities. Then in 1998, he joined the United Blind Persons of Fiji Organisation (UBP) after his brother introduced him to the organisation. Romulo served UBP as a volunteer helping out the office staff when they needed assistance in various activities such as awareness campaigns, social events and fundraising drives. He combined his volunteer work at UBP with part-time work at RICOH from 2004 to 2006.

In 2007, he had a one-year stint with the book binding section of the Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities (FVTTCPD) at Brown Street, Suva. This was followed by a six-month placement with Classic Apparel. In 2009, Romulo was fortunate to be selected to attend a Youth Conference in Sydney, Australia. This was a wonderful experience for Romulo and he learnt a lot.

He was fortunate in 2010 to receive financial help from Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) which enabled him to complete his Foundation Studies at the University of the South Pacific.

Today, Romulo is still involved with the UBP. He is the UBP Representative in the Human Rights Grant Scheme (HRGS), Include Disability – Employ THIS Ability (IDEA) Program, funded by AusAID. Romulo has been appointed the IDEA Education Liaison Officer. The main focus of the IDEA Program is to get persons with disabilities into mainstream employment or inclusive education. The IDEA Program helps each IDEA Client build their capacity and realise their full potential. Potential is something that Romulo has plenty of and he is working hard to realise it to the full.



Ruci Senikula

Recognising one’s ability and using it to empower one’s self to make a difference is the story of Ruci Senikula.

Mr and Mrs Lacarua of Moumi, Bau, Tailevu are proud parents of five wonderful children and Ruci is their youngest daughter. Ruci was born blind, and being the baby of the family was showered with all the love and affectionate that any child could want. Ruci will always feel indebted to her parents and family for this.

As a five year-old, Ruci was keen to begin her primary education and so off to the Fiji School for the Blind (FSB) she went. As young as she was, Ruci was exposed to boarding life where she learnt a great deal about how a blind person could live independently. She attended FSB for Classes 1 and 2 where she learnt how to read and write using Braille. The following year Ruci was integrated into mainstream education, and for her Classes 3 to 8, she attended St. Marcellin Primary School.

After completing her primary school, Ruci went on to Cathedral Secondary School for Forms 3 to 6 and then onto St Joseph’s Secondary School for Form 7. Ruci finished off her secondary school education with flying colours. As brilliant as Ruci was, challengers never eluded her. Thankfully, there were teachers who took time to adapt their teaching methods to suit Ruci’s needs. There were times in secondary school that she had difficulties with diagrams, but Ruci found a way to rise above any challenges that arose.

Ruci was determined to further her education to a tertiary level. She attended the University of the South Pacific and studied for double degree majoring in Education and Applied Psychology. With a lot of pressure from work and family, Ruci is left with only one more 300 level Education Unit to complete. She plans to

accomplish this and graduate before the end of 2014.

Ruci spent eleven months in 2010 on a scholarship studying Kerala state, South India. She spent the first three months learning the Malayalam language. Ruci found living and studying in India very challenging. However, she adapted to these changes and proved herself capable of living independently in a foreign country. Nothing could hold her back from achieving her goal. In December 2010, Ruci was awarded a IISE Certificate in Social Enterprise from the Institute of Social Entrepreneurship in Trivandrum, Kerala.

In February of 2011 Ruci secured a job with the United Blind Persons of Fiji as the Project Officer for 18 months. She says that her working environment was user friendly due to the fact that there were assistive devices at her disposal to make her work easier.

Ruci is currently working on the Include Disability – Employ THIS Ability (IDEA) Program. This is a Human Rights Grant Scheme funded by Aus AID. Ruci is the representative of the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation and her role focuses on how government policies impact on employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Her role also involves securing jobs for people with disabilities within the government sector.

Ruci advices people who are living with any form of disability, to never look down on themselves because of their disability. Instead use your disability as a stepping stone to open new doors. Always strive forward and always try to make a difference for the better.



Sainimili Tawake

My name is Sainimili Tawake. I am a mother of five children - four girls and a boy. I am a Catholic, a human rights activist and a strong advocate for issues dealing with women and girls with disabilities. I am partially sighted and from my photograph you can tell that I am a woman with albinism.

I started my education at the age of four at the Fiji School for the Blind. I was mainstreamed into Yat-Sen Primary School for a year then to Marist Convent School for five years. I received my secondary education at St Joseph’s Secondary School. I repeated my form six at Naitasiri Secondary School for two terms.

I particularly enjoyed the extra curriculum activities at St Joseph’s such as physical education, music, art and craft, religion, library week, and talent quests. I also enjoyed the gardening lessons we used to do at Naitasiri Secondary School. I never liked classroom work because I just could not see the blackboard from where I sat even though I was in the front row. Lack of support services and lack of reasonable accommodation impeded my studies which melted away my interest in classroom learning. I am forever thankful to my parents for their continuous encouragement and support even though I started to hate school so much. I felt discriminated against and marginalised.

While at St Joseph’s I enjoyed careers classes because during the school holidays I used to go for attachment at the Central Police Station Criminal Investigation Department. I always wanted to become a police officer. There was a call for police interviews at one time; I went as far as sitting the aptitude test which I thought was easy but very tricky due to my limited vision. I had to distinguish which pattern was different from a whole set of other patterns. I now say, ‘Fortunately I did not succeed’.

Soon after this I fronted up to a face-to-face interview with one of the garment factories in Waimanu Road for a typist job. I leant typing at St Joseph’s and was very good at it. The first interview question was, “Is there something wrong with your eyes?” I answered, “Yes, I am partially sighted.” The reply was, “There is no job for you here”, and that was it! I stood up and said politely, “Thank you sir.” I felt terrible in the inside - my heart was crying. I started to get angry with myself. I was angry with God as well because he made me differently and people were not accepting me for who I was, for what I could do and for what I could offer. My dad continued to counsel me, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”

My first job after secondary school was as a garment worker doing unskilled labour. Then I worked as a nanny looking after children. During this time, I was doing a lot of volunteer work with United Blind Persons (UBP) in an office support role and was a member of the UBP Board. I was also very active with youth activities in Lami Parish. I was then hired as a fundraising officer at UBP for three years. My next job was for five years as the Project Officer with Disabled People’s International Oceania Sub-regional Office; followed by four years as the Convener for Women with Disabilities Pasifika Network.

In 2006 I took up consultancy work with Pacific Islands Association of NGOs for (PIANGO) as Assistant Convenor to the Civil Society Forum for eight months. I was then sub-contracted to do a study by UNDP Pacific Operation Centre on the status of women and girls with disabilities in the Pacific. I was based at the UN Women the then UNIFEM Pacific Office. The outcome of the study was the report titled ‘Pacific Sisters with Disabilities



at an Intersection of Discrimination’ which I co-authored with Daniel Stubbs, a colleague and friend from Australia.

For the next four years, I worked for Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons - Fiji’s government focal point on disability as their Project Officer. In 2010, I won the Pacific Human Rights Award granted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Re-gional Rights Resource Team (SPC RRRT).In September 2012, I was hired by SPC RRRT as a Resource Trainer. I very much enjoy my work at RRRT. I am graciously meeting and rising up to the challenges I encounter.

I have continued to fight the battle against discrimination and I never want to give up. I have developed a passion for human rights which I really could not part from now. I have made good friends and worse enemies. I have learnt a few things along the

way - give and seek pardon. I eventually forgave God for making me this way and I accept whatever treatment I receive from the fully sighted world. I have learnt to develop a ‘thick skin’ and move on with life.

Let us rise with the sun each morning and set ourselves construc-tively in our own society where we rightfully belong. For us as persons with visual impairment or as women with disabilities, we need to train ourselves to be one step ahead and continue to do our best.



Sairusi Tabulawaki

Self-pity and giving up were never options for Sairusi Tabulawaki, who was born with normal vision and attended primary and secondary school as any other child his age. A fine young boy, Sairusi enjoyed life attending AOG Secondary School not knowing what the future had in store for him.

At the age of 15, Sairusi mysteriously lost his vision. He was completely in the dark as to how this came about and this was very devastating for him and his family. Sairusi visited the hospital with the hope that the doctors would be able to restore his sight. In 1984, after consultations with two doctors about an operation to have lenses inserted into his eyes, Sairusi was very hopeful that his vision would be restored. But after the surgery, his vision was not restored enough for him to live a normal life, as he had expected.

Never losing hope, Sairusi found out about the Fiji School for the Blind (FSB) at Vatuwaqa. He spent two years at FSB learning how to overcome barriers that would enable him to live as normally as possible.

In 1985 Sairusi participated in the Australian Pan Pacific Games in which he won two gold medals in the 100 and 200 metres. After this, Sairusi grew very confident and independent and finally realised that losing his vision was not the end of the world. He was able to secure a job with Rewa Dairy as a general hand packing full cream milk. Sairusi is very thankful to Mr. Ali for offering him this job at Rewa Dairy where he worked for 13 years.

Sairusi moved on after Rewa Dairy to become a caretaker for a prominent business man in Suva, where he looked after his properties for six years.

Sairusi, who hails from the village of Waisomo in Kadavu, is now 45 years old and is married with three children. Today he calls himself a farmer and owns nine acres of land where he plants root crops, vegetables and fruits for his family’s consumption and he also plans to sell this produce when the crops are ready for harvest.

Currently he and his family reside on their farm, in their own home in Uluileba subdivision, Wailase, in the province of Naitasiri. Being a farmer is not the end of Sairusi’s dreams, as he plans to venture out and try his skills in new fields in the not-too-distant future. With his confidence and his determination to dream large, Sairusi’s new ventures will surely succeed.



Most children nowadays start their education by attending pre-school for perhaps a year or two before commencing their primary school education at the age of 5 or 6 years old. In most situations, they would be living in the comfort of their own homes, in familiar surroundings with their parents and siblings.

An ideal scenario some may say, however, unfortunately, this was not the situation for Savita Shivangni Devi whose family consisted of her father, Mr. Lakshmi Prasad, her mother, Mrs. Prabha Wati, and her brother, Parmeshwar Prasad.

Savita was born in 1990 and was blind from birth. She grew up in Seaqaqa in Vanua Levu. Her parents were informed by visiting community workers about the Fiji School for the Blind (FSB) in Vatuwaqa, Suva, in Viti Levu, which also provided accommodation for boarders. So in 1997, Savita began her journey towards independence by enrolling at FSB. At the FSB hostel, she was introduced to washing, hanging, folding and even ironing her own clothes. She experienced some highs and a few lows in this part of her journey as she adjusted to living without her family.

Academically, she completed primary school at FSB and received her secondary education at DAV Girls College, Samabula, from Form 3 to Form 6. At the FSB, Savita was comfortable because she had become familiar with the things and people around her. At DAV she was out of her depth, like a fish out of water, as all the other students had two good eyes. She felt uncomfortable - a feeling reciprocated by teachers and students alike - especially when she used the Braille machine which is quite noisy. Fortunately all concerned soon adapted and Savita once again felt comfortable in her environment.

Her first attempt in 2011 at acquiring her Fiji School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) was unsuccessful. Nevertheless she tried again in 2012 and during this time she lived with her brother in Raiwai. From here she was able to learn computer studies at the United Blind Persons (UBP) office. For Savita this was another first for her and she admits that although at first it was difficult, she soon got the hang of it, and found it easy. This proved immensely encouraging for Savita. Savita now plans to study more in order to achieve her aspiration of becoming an English teacher.

Savita’s perseverance and resilience are testimony to inspire others who are blind or visually impaired. Savita advises that they should not be discouraged or embarrassed about their disability. Instead they should realise that they are capable of overcoming obstacles and with the right knowledge and support, they can make a difference. Savita intends to make a difference and improve the academic standards in Fiji by becoming an English teacher.

Savita Devi



Setareki Macanawai

“I lost my sight at the age of 17 during my final year at Marist Brothers High School. The onset of a permanent disability on a young person’s dreams, in terms of living an independent and successful life, is huge,” Seta said.

He said to move on from sustaining a permanent disability, he had to adjust his goals and expectations, and importantly, accept his position. He said while getting accepted to tertiary educational institutions was a challenge, “patience, commitment and sacrifice was needed”.

Seta trained to be a schoolteacher at Corpus Christie and eventually worked in social welfare before taking up his current position as CEO of the Pacific Disability Forum. He said the attitude of people in Fiji towards persons with disability had generally improved over the past 20 years.

“I believe it is the situation of an employer, having to employ a person with disability, or a principal having to enrol a person with disability - that is the true test of where we’re at in terms of including and accommodating persons with disabilities in the workforce and education system.”

To help persons with disability succeed, Seta says the government must have “a real political will”, and employers must invest in these people with “reasonable accommodation”, and that disabled people must put in the “extra work” as well.

“For me, I use the computer. I can’t see the computer but I have a special software that makes it possible for me to use Excel, spreadsheet, word, email, and so on. This is referred to as reasonable accommodation and I think that is what employers need to be willing to acknowledge and support.”

Seta has been presented with a number of awards recognising his work, including the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team 2008 Pacific Human Rights Special Citations Award for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in the Pacific region; and a UNESCAP 2012 Asia-Pacific Disability Champions Award.



Sovaia Sisi Colala

Sovaia Sisi Colala, who is 32 years old, comes from the island of Kadavu, and is the second of three siblings. Unfortunately Sisi’s disability was acquired when, because she was born prematurely, had to be placed in a hospital incubator. Oxygen found its way in to her eyes resulting into gradual diminishing of her eyesight until it was completely lost when she was six years old.

Sisi with her vision impairment and others with similar disabilities often find themselves pushed out into the forefront, but not in quite the way they may have imagined or preferred. However despite experiencing taunts, being the target of ridicule and treated differently, Sisi acknowledged that this all came with the territory of disability. She did not allow this to get her down. Instead it spurred her on to compete with able-bodied persons and this interaction helped them to have a change of attitude towards disabled people.

During her tertiary education, Sisi struggled as provisions for people with disabilities were insignificant. Suffice it to say that this scenario provided challenging incentives for Sisi as she had to work twice as hard as the others on researching and adjusting to allocated reading - which almost always was not properly formatted. This prompted Sisi to advertise in the newspapers for volunteers to assist her once or twice a week in reading and research. Consequently, during her university study, Sisi made many acquaintances some of whom have become life-long friends.

Sisi works as a teacher at the Fiji School for the Blind in Suva. She attended information communications technology (ICT) for blind and vision impaired persons in Penang Malaysia in 2006, 2009 and 2010. She is now an advocate in the area of computer skills for vision impaired persons.

So, if there is any message Sisi would like to say to the visually impaired, it would be that nothing is impossible in this world if and once you put your mind to it. There will always be hurdles in one form or another. Don’t look at it as a step back or a deterrent. Look forward because mountains are made to be ascended and hurdles are made to be jumped over. Always remember the world is never flat.



Suresh Chand

Despite losing his eyesight 13 years ago, Suresh Chand of Waila, Navuso, has not permitted this impairment to prevent him from leading a very normal and fruitful life.

Being diagnosed as short-sighted and with gradual on-going deterioration of his eyesight, he was forced to leave school when he was in From 5 at Saraswati College in 1979. Woodwork was one of his favourite subjects at school and when he left school, he joined his father Mr Brij Narayan doing carpentry.

Suresh’s already dwindling vision continued and he was gradually going blind. He was told by doctors at Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital that an operation would be costly and nothing more could be done for his diminishing eyesight.

After continued visits to the CWM Hospital for eye treatment, he applied for a voluntary position and was attached to the Switch-board at the Hospital. He was given the opportunity to act as relieving staff for six months and continued from 1985 to 1990. When a Switchboard Operator’s position became vacant at Nau-sori Health Centre, Suresh successfully applied for the position and has been there ever since.

Suresh is versatile and his job requires him to answer calls, transfer them, make announcements and call patients numbers through the PA system.

By 1997, Suresh had completely lost his sight, but his energy, vitality and commitment never declined. Rather, his focus and determination have increased.

His responsibilities spurred him on and gave him purpose and confidence. Being the bread winner, he ably supported his

daughter through primary, secondary and Nursing School. She is now a Nurse at the CWM Hospital because of his sacrifice and achievements. At home, he is involved in subsistence farming with his co-pilot, his ever-supporting wife, and they plant beans, baigan, pawpaws, bele, maize, dalo and many other crops for their daily use.

Presently he is the President of the Tailevu South branch for Fiji Disable Peoples Federation and is also the President of the Men’s Ministry for the Mission Field Outreach Church and has his own taxi which operates out of Gladstone Street, Suva.

For Suresh Chand, there is no mountain too high. He would like to encourage all persons with vision impairment or blindness, to have the will to achieve, and it will take you to new heights.



UNITED BLIND PERSONS OF FIJIapids



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UNITED BLIND PERSONS OF FIJI A Stepping Stone Narayan ..... 24 Pushpa Karan..... 25 Rakesh Chand ... 2005 saw Ana at the United Blind Persons of Fiji, helping with the activities organised