Help Charles pay for his University Tuition Fees

Bula Vinaka!

My name is Charles Koroivueta and I am raising money to help pay tuition fees to study in Australia in January 2023.

I recently received an offer to study Pathology and this will allow me to pursue my dream of working in a Lab as a Forensic or Industrial Technician.

I have always been passionate about Lab experimenting and inventions from an early age.

The reason I chose Pathology is because it is the course leading towards the Microbiology and Forensic Studies. These two fields are both new and in demand in Fiji and the Pacific with great prospects for future employability.

Initially I was interested in pursuing a Medical degree, however, this was not possible since both my parents were unemployed.

I then opted for the Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biology and Chemistry, however, once again, I was unable to complete it due to the Financial constraints.

During the pandemic, I applied to overseas Universities hoping to escape the dire economic situation at home and the widespread poverty.

I was overjoyed to received an offer to study in Australia and now do not wish to lose this great opportunity which has the capacity to change my life and that of my family.

As the eldest of Four Siblings I have had to make many tough decisions, including giving up my education to find work instead so that I could support my 3 younger Siblings and a very sick mother, who later passed away in 2019.

I left University with more than half of my BSc program units remaining.

However, with the few units completed I applied for work everywhere and was fortunate to be offered a volunteering opportunity with the WHO for a 1 year pilot project in Mosquito Monitoring within the Suva Area.

This was what I perceived to be the door to further future opportunities.

At work, I put in 100% effort and this did not go unnoticed. I was later rewarded with a 3 year contract with the WORLD Mosquito Program and Live & Learn Environmental Education Project.

I was able to invent a new cost effective and easier method of Releasing Wolbachia Mosquitoes in the Community (compared to the Monash University Standard Method), still I was not able to grow in the position because I was the only unqualified Lab and Field Officer on the Team.

However, thanks to the connections I had made during the 3 years working with the World Mosquito Program, I managed to make Friends with Lab Technicians and Biologist at the Monash University in Melbourne who are till this day, very helpful in advising me on my future career plans and possible pathways to take to reach my goal.

I have also worked as Lab Attendant for 8 months with the Pacific Eye Institute.

This year I started working with the Ministry of Health as a Lymphatic Filariasis Officer. I enjoyed the work but had to resigned to look after my Son since his Mother decided to go overseas for studies.

I have been looking after my son for 3 years and this has further delayed my studies and dreams.

My idea initially is to raise enough money to travel to Australia and start off with Certificate III in Pathology (18months Course) which allows me to work 2 to 3 days.

This will enable me to save some money for a Bachelor in Forensic Science or Microbiology Study.

The offer, as I mentioned above, is for the January 2023 intake.

I am raising funds for the Course fees , Flight, Visa and other requirements.

My plea is for my friends, family, community and all good hearted souls who like to see others succeed to help me start. The beginnings are always the most difficult.

My life hasn’t always been easy.

I was brought up in two of the traditional Crime Rated Community (Nadonumai & Kalekana) in Lami.

I started My Primary education at Draiba Fijian School in Suva. Dad left us 1 week before external exams and so we were raised by Mum.

This I could say severely affected my performance in School. After Class 8 I had to miss one year of study to work for my fees.

I started the following year in form 3 at Nabua Secondary School and again I couldn’t complete the 2nd term due to Financial reasons.

I was fortunate that a relative came forward to pay for the 3rd term so that I could sit for my exams.

I continued till form 6 and then completed my form 7 in RKS Tailevu (boarding school).

Knowing the struggles, I gave my best at school and I thank God that I was awarded the Dux Of the School that year in 2010.

Alot happen that year at home as mum was sick but she never missed visiting me on Sundays at the boarding school. She would bring my favourite food and we would hide at the back of School building to eat. lols. These are my beautiful cherished memories with her.

I now lived with my 2 brothers in our old tin house in Kalekana Lami.

My hobbies are reading and helping people.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

This is my story.

Vinaka and with gratitude,

Charles