Filomena Litiana Maulumuvatu believes that being raised single-handedly by her mother prepared her for life as a single mother.
The Vuna, Taveuni, lass was married and had two children when her husband abandoned their family.
“His leaving us was so unexpected and the feeling of being all alone with no one by my side was heartbreaking,” the 28-year-old said.
“But I knew what to do because I was raised by a single mum.
“I quickly got over the feeling of being broken and alone, picked up the pieces and slowly began to claw my way back.
“My mother was my role model and I didn’t want to let her down or the lessons that she had taught me. She never failed to provide for me and my siblings and I knew that I would be there for my children too.”
Ms Malumuvatu said she never let the situation define her, but used it as a way out.
“Sometimes people look down on single mums to the extent that some men try to take advantage of us. But I have to be careful because I just don’t want to get trapped in that.”
The former Vunimono High School student said because there were five of them, her mother was not able to afford her tertiary education.
“When I was growing up I always wanted to be a nurse.
“I know I am still young and if it is God’s will then things can happen. I am committed to taking care of my kids and meeting all their needs. I never rely on my siblings and mum for support and if somehow I am able to go to nursing school, I will be happy.”
After her husband left, Ms Malumuvatu worked on a farm owned by a Chinese in Waibau to earn a living.
“I am so thankful to my mum because she understood my situation and took care of my kids. I was employed by Guard Force and worked at the Nadi International Airport before we settled here in Sawani, Naitasiri, my mum’s village.
“Because of the situation my husband left us in, I know how to budget and make sure I meet my kids’ basic needs.”
She said life was challenging at times, but her mother and all the other single mothers who successfully raised children remained her inspiration.
“I have learned to never give up because if those single mums who had gone before us can do it, I can do it too.”
