For single Mum, Adi Mere Cakautavatava getting through the Basic Recruit Course of the RFMF has boosted her confidence in her abilities to dare new heights in life for a better life for her two children.
After initially setting her sights on becoming a doctor, unforeseen circumstance forced her to abandon her studies and turn to teaching to be able to concentrate on her young family.
While a teacher at Beacon Media Learning Centre, a private school based in Nakasi, Adi Mere saw the ad for the Basic Recruit Course published and in a spur of the moment decided to give it a try.
“I never really thought that I’d get in yet deep down I challenged myself because I’ve always felt that I was made for more.”
A month before Adi Mere marched into camp at the Force Training Group in Nasinu, her father the late Na Turaga na Tui Yasawa, Taukei Vatanitawake Ratu Jone Cakautavatava passed away thus cementing her determination to continue in her father’s footsteps, a soldier also with the RFMF.
“He was and will always be my inspiration. He was a man of principle, he stood by me and always told me to work hard to cater for my children and I. I miss him so much today, wishing he could be here to see me part of this pass-out parade. He would be so proud.”
“This was a huge move from teaching to come and take up military studies but I saw how much this institution meant to my father and I wanted to honor him in this way.”
Adi Mere acknowledged her mother and family for believing in her even when the decision to join the RFMF came as a shock to them.
“It was hard for them to accept it but eventually everyone came around and today we are all thanking God and celebrating His faithfulness to me throughout the 12 weeks of training.”
Photo: Adi Mere Cakautavatava with her daughter 8 year Anna Collette Marney.
