Every morning, before dawn breaks in Matamaivere Village in Namara, Tailevu, 22-year-old Ruci Sevodi embarks on her daily journey to the Suva Municipal Market. With steadfast determination, she undertakes a two-hour trek, fueled by her unwavering faith and a desire to provide for her family. At an age when many young adults chase after dreams of luxury, Ruci is engaged in a meaningful pursuit shaped by her personal struggles.
“I leave home at 5 am and reach Suva by 7 am,” Ruci shares. She sells traditional Fijian foods such as dalo, breadfruit, rourou balls, and sometimes fish and palusami—items she has personally cooked. Her role as a market vendor is not without its challenges; some days, her sales are slow, making the long hours particularly arduous. However, her spirit remains unbroken.
“It can be difficult when things aren’t bought,” she admits, “but I thank God for His provision and for guiding us as we strive to earn money to support our families.” Life in her village is riddled with obstacles, including limited water supply and a decline in agricultural activity. Ruci notes, “People don’t plant as much as they used to; sometimes they even buy from us. Still, we’re grateful for the opportunity to sell what we have and earn enough to buy what we need from town.”
Her journey to the market stems from the challenging circumstances surrounding her higher education aspirations. Ruci had dreamt of becoming a teacher, but her family’s financial situation prevented her from enrolling in university. “After completing Year 13, my parents couldn’t afford the fees, so I decided to stay home and help instead,” she recounts.
Despite the setback of not pursuing higher education, Ruci has earned the respect of her family and community through her hard work and selflessness. Her experience carries a vital message for the youth: “Pursue your education as much as you can; however, if things don’t go as planned, don’t be ashamed of honest work. Many of us feel embarrassed to sell in the market, but we can all contribute to our families in meaningful ways—whether by selling produce from home or other small tasks.”
For Ruci and many others in similar situations, each day represents a step toward a greater purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that dreams do not solely come in the form of degrees or corporate titles; instead, they can manifest in the consistent labor of selling local produce, all guided by faith and the resolve to continue pressing forward.
Ruci’s dedication reflects many vendors’ experiences at the Suva Market, similar to those of Lenisa Vurusa, who has devoted over a decade to selling fresh produce to support her children’s education. Both women symbolize the resilience and tenacity inherent in market vendors, highlighting the significance of community support and local entrepreneurship amid adversity. Their paths are intertwined with a hopeful narrative of empowerment, showing that hard work and perseverance can lead to fulfilling lives and secure brighter futures for their families.