13-year-old Tamarisi Nailasekula who lost her mother during Tropical Cyclone Winston has been awarded a 2016 Children’s Award as she has shown exemplary progress in her personal development in overcoming adverse personal circumstances.
Tamarisi who was nominated by her teacher, has been described by her teacher as disciplined, hardworking, courageous and loving.
On the fateful day, Tamarisi’s mother had rushed out from the village hall to get her 8-month-old baby’s bag, which she had forgotten.
The wind was very strong and debris was flying everywhere.
Tamarisi’s mother ran to take shelter in a house but it was destroyed by strong winds.
She managed to come out safely but she was then caught in the incoming tidal waves.
When it was safe to venture out, Tamarisi’s father, the Turaga ni Koro and other men went to look for her but unfortunately it was too late.
Since then the 13-year-old who is a student of Lawaki District School and is the oldest of 3 girls in a family of 9 children of which 5 are still attending school, Tamarisi has taken over the responsibilities of her mother in the running of the house or rather the tent they still live in.
She is up at 5am everyday to make breakfast and lunch for her family.
Despite the tragedy and trauma she and her family have suffered, she never misses school.
She does all the household chores, schoolwork and also supervises her younger siblings.
Speaking to Fijivillage, Tamarisi said that she would have loved for her mother to be around to see her today.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa who was the chief guest at the awards says the 5 children who are recipients of the awards today are recognised because they took action.
She says they have made a difference in somebody’s life and they have made an indelible mark on the fabric of their communities.
The 5 children were today awarded plaques and certificates at the Fiji Children’s Award 2016 organised by Vision Fiji.
