At 37, Neomai Malupo exemplifies the idea that it’s never too late to pursue a lifelong dream. As a former pharmacy assistant and mother of four, she has recently completed the Matua Programme at Nabua Secondary School, marking a significant step in reclaiming her educational journey after nearly two decades.
Originally from Lakeba in Lau and raised in Lautoka, Ms. Malupo began her educational journey at Natabua High School but did not complete her studies in 2008. Following her schooling, she worked as a pharmacy assistant at the Ministry of Health until last year, when she made the difficult decision to leave her job to fully concentrate on her studies.
“I stopped work because I couldn’t handle both,” she explained. Balancing an 8 AM to 4:30 PM job with evening classes from 5 PM to 8 PM while then tending to her children left her with only a few hours to study each night.
Ms. Malupo’s ambition is to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and become a doctor, a dream she has held since childhood. Growing up near Lautoka Hospital, where both of her parents were medical lab technicians, she was inspired by the doctors who “saved the day.” “I always wanted to be one,” she said.
Joining the Matua Programme, even in its sixth week, was challenging. However, she attributes her success to the high-quality instruction she received. “The teachers were the main reason I attained the marks. Subjects I found hard in high school, like physics, became clearer. I actually scored the highest in physics here.”
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Ms. Malupo expressed some regret about not starting the Matua Programme sooner, given that it began in 2003. “When I got my marks, I thought: why didn’t I do Matua sooner? I wish I’d known about it earlier,” she said.
Now, she encourages others who have put their education on hold—whether to support family or due to other life circumstances—to reconsider. “There’s no age limit to completing your education. If you still have a dream from your youth, pursue it. Matua is a great place to start. The teachers give tremendous support and advice.”
Furthermore, Ms. Malupo extends her encouragement to iTaukei students, aiming to challenge the limiting beliefs that can hinder academic success. “Many iTaukei students think they are not capable of achieving high marks. There’s sometimes a view that if you don’t succeed, you can always return to village life. But we can achieve just as much as anyone. It’s not about race; it’s about how much work you put in. That mindset needs to change.”
Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that determination and commitment can lead to personal and academic fulfillment at any stage of life.