When his father passed away in 1990, Saula Turagaduadua dropped out of school and took it upon himself to get a job so he could look after his mother.
Growing up in the interior of Naitasiri, the Nakorovatu, Waima, native said life took on whole new perspective.
“After my father passed on in 1990, I had to make some very tough decisions. I told myself that the only choice for me was to join the work force and support my mother and especially myself,” Mr Turagaduadua said.
“I was fortunate to be accepted by Punjas and I have been with them since. I was given the role of inter-island sales and corporate clerk.”
The 48-year-old said he has been with the company for 16 years and has only been away from work when the second wave of COVID-19 struck four months ago. In July the company called and informed me that I’ve been put on annual leave pay.
“They have been good to me even though I am not at work and hopefully the Sawani containment border opens soon so that I can resume duties and serve the people of the outer Islands.”
The former Vunidawa District School student said he lost his mother in October last
year.
“It was a painful experience and it took every ounce of strength for me to get through it and to carry on with life. My experience as a sales worker has been the pillar of strength and got me through when my world was falling apart.”
Mr Turagaduadua used his leave pay to establish a little canteen business to take him through until border restrictions are lifted.
He said it was challenging at times, but it was important to set goals and work towards them.
“I might have my ups and downs in life, but I continue to live according to the plans that I set towards reaching my goal – to become a successful man in my village.”
Mr Turagaduadua said during the COVID- 19 lockdown he was able to spend more time on his farm.
“At the moment I am planting dalo, cassava and a little bit of vegetables. I have learnt that it is best to save while you are working because unexpected things like the COVID-19 pandemic can happen at any time. The money that I saved over the past 16 years has helped my family get through the past four months”.
The father of three said his third child was born during the containment period and despite the challenges faced, they have managed to cope with the new addition to the family.
