STANDING proud alongside 238 other police constables at the Fiji Police Force basic recruits’ course pass-out parade last week, Sainimili Adileleasiga’s 20 years of dedication to the force had finally paid-off.
The 50-year-old mother of five has served as a ‘special constable’ for two decades and now proudly accepts her new badge as a police constable in the regular force.
It wasn’t easy with the death of her husband in 2012, Ms Adileleasiga, like any hard working mother quickly picked up where her husband had left off the responsibility of being a father and maneuvered through life’s challenges head on.
Her children listen attentively as their mother shared her achievement in this interview.
Ms Adileleasiga, of Nayavu Village, Wainibuka, thanked God and the Fiji Police Force for such an indescribable accomplishment in her life.
Not only was she a moral compass to her children, she made it her priority to get them educated with whatever financial support she could afford as a solo parent.
“It was challenging to lose my husband in 2012 and having to raise the children alone but we got through it together,” she said.
“It was tough, having to juggle with daily affairs and raising five children as a special constable.”
Perseverance played a key part in her success.
She said she had to work hard because she needed to put her children through school which she continues to do today.
Ms Adileleasiga said one of her sons had completed his studies at the Fiji National University’s Film and Television Program and another was studying at FNU’s College of Agriculture in Koronivia.
Not only has Ms Adileleasiga carried on the role of being a father and a mother to her children so well, she also built a strong foundation for their lives by inspiring them to have individual success in the future.
“It was through God’s guidance that I was able to do all of this and I have waited for a long time to be part of the regular force,” she said.
“God had a purpose for me and I just want to give him back the glory today. I thank the force for trusting me with this responsibility.”
She said being vocal is one of the most important advice she can give young woman who want to work in the force in the future.
“We are here to serve and sometimes the work can be tough but it’s our responsibility to handle different situations that are presented to us,” she said.
She said with only a few years until her retirement she hoped to do her best until the end.
