Fri Oct 04 23:42:28 UTC 2024: ## Taveuni Mother Overwhelmed with Pride as Son Receives Baton of Honour at First Saint Theresa of Lisieux College Cadet Passing-Out Parade
**Sigatoka, Fiji:** Tears of joy streamed down the face of Marica Maramanikaisuva as she witnessed her eldest son, Sakiusa Raiko, receive the Baton of Honour at the inaugural cadet passing-out parade of Saint Theresa of Lisieux College on Friday.
The emotional moment was particularly special as the parade marked the culmination of the school’s week-long centennial celebrations.
Ms Maramanikaisuva, a subsistence farmer from Lavena, Taveuni, described the sacrifices she and her husband made to ensure Raiko’s education. “Life is not easy, and to witness this achievement is worth every hardship and struggle,” she said. “God is great.”
She shared the challenges of their daily life, relying on the Sigatoka River for both sustenance and income. “After planting, we need to wait for four months until we can sell our produce at the market,” she explained. “Most days, we rely on the river for food.”
Despite these hardships, attending school events was always a priority for Ms Maramanikaisuva. “This school is on the other side of the Sigatoka River, and we then climb up the hill to get there,” she said. “The conditions are worse on rainy days. But this school is special because it provides a holistic education to our children, with the church on the same compound, making prayer part of their daily lives.”
Raiko, a Year 12 student from Nalebaleba, Bemana, Nadroga, echoed his mother’s sentiments. “The journey wasn’t easy, but we persevered through the challenges and now we can see the fruits of our hard work,” he said.
He plans to pursue a career in carpentry and joinery after finishing high school.
The first cadet passing-out parade of Saint Theresa of Lisieux College marked a significant milestone in the school’s history. The event was graced by the presence of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander, Major-General Jone Kalouniwai.
First Piper 