At just 17, Jacob Moore embodies resilience in the face of life’s challenges. His journey took a heartbreaking turn in 2020 when he lost his mother, an event that left him struggling to find his way back to school and navigate a world without her guidance and care.
Recalling that difficult time, Jacob said, “After mum passed away, I couldn’t go back to school. I lost direction because she was the one who would wake up in the morning to prepare breakfast and take care of me. I lost all that pampering when she passed.” His home, once a source of support and love, became a reminder of what he had lost.
In the midst of his grief, Jacob leaned on the love of his family, recognizing its significance in overcoming adversity. He believes that the absence of love in a home can lead children down difficult paths, remarking, “Children should obey their parents and parents should love their children back. Sometimes that doesn’t happen, and problems develop.” His perspective highlights the critical role that familial love plays in nurturing resilience.
Determined not to succumb to despair, Jacob has taken on the challenge of supporting his family by selling freshly caught tuna at Wailekutu, just outside Lami Town. “I am selling tuna to earn some money, help the family and buy more engine oil so that we can go out to sea this afternoon and fish. Times are hard and full of struggles, but we cannot just sit around. We must work hard to earn a living,” he stated.
Jacob has also joined Handfishing Fiji, an initiative that empowers unemployed youths and men by providing opportunities for deep-sea fishing. This endeavor not only allows Jacob to support his family but also empowers him to build a brighter future despite the adverse conditions he faces at sea. Each fishing trip serves as a reminder of his mother’s memory, pushing him to persevere and strive for a better life.
The founder of Handfishing Fiji, Joseph Zinck, emphasized the organization’s mission to uplift individuals like Jacob, offering them a chance to improve their circumstances. Jacob looks forward to his 18th birthday and aspires to secure employment, save money, and eventually buy his own boat and engine to continue fishing. His dreams are simple yet ambitious, reflecting a desire for stability and self-sufficiency.
Jacob’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and determination, illustrating that setbacks do not define one’s future. Though grief can bring challenges, it does not have to determine one’s path. For young people facing similar struggles, Jacob serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, it is possible to navigate tough waters and move toward a brighter tomorrow.