Losing my vision in high school motivated me to be more successful in life - Macanawai

Losing my sense of sight when I was a student at Marist Brothers High School only made me stronger and more determined to be successful in life.

These were the words of Setareki Macanawai who won the Lifetime Achievement Award at Fiji’s first Disability Gala Awards Night at Holiday Inn.

Macanawai says that he was more focused on becoming a teacher after losing his sight worked hard to complete his education at Corpus Christi before becoming a teacher at the Fiji School for the Blind in Vatuwaqa.

He also encouraged young people with disabilities to pursue their dreams as there are more opportunities and assistance available today.

Macanawai was awarded the lifetime achievement award for his years of dedication and service to the United Blind Persons in Fiji and the Fiji School for the Blind.

Two of Macanawai’s students also received awards last night for Entrepreneur of the Year Award that was won by Devika Nandani and Student of the Year Award which was won by Iosefo Vukevuke.

While officiating at the awards, Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete acknowledged the United Blind Persons in Fiji putting together a night that celebrated the achievements of extraordinary individuals and colleagues who rose above the odds to produce excellently in their own disciplines.

Waqainabete says that over the years he has learnt that people with disabilities have so much ability and people have so much to learn from them.
 

In other awards:

Merewalesi Rodan who is a national rep in table tennis and will be part of the team to the Special Olympics to Dubai won the Sportsperson of the Year Award.

Senior Manager of the Year Award went to Georgina Naigulevu while Etika Naqio won the Youth Leader of the Year Award.

A Special Recognition Award was also given to the President of United Persons of Fiji, Sisi Coalala.