Rizwan Sheik Madar, a 34-year-old manager at Matata Kitchen in Labasa Town, is a beacon of perseverance and dedication. His warm smile greets customers and reflects a profound journey marked by resilience and hard work. Growing up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, with his father selling produce at the market and his mother handling domestic duties, Rizwan’s childhood was filled with strong values of hard work and determination.
After completing Form 6, Rizwan faced a significant setback when his parents could not afford to support his further education. Realizing the situation, he took it upon himself to help his family and entered the workforce at a young age, starting his career at Matata Kitchen. Initially, he took on menial tasks such as washing dishes, scrubbing pots, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, despite having no prior cooking experience.
Driven by a desire to learn and grow, Rizwan quickly found a mentor in the restaurant’s cook. Under her guidance, he developed his culinary skills, mastering the flavors of traditional Fijian dishes like fish lolo and rourou. Over the span of 15 to 16 years, he rose through the ranks, gaining the trust of the restaurant owners and increasing his responsibilities until he achieved the position of manager.
Today, Rizwan manages Matata Kitchen with minimal oversight, indicating the strong bond he has developed with the owner, whom he regards as a brother. His success is not merely personal; it is tied closely to his commitment to supporting his family and providing them with a better life than what he experienced in his youth.
Rizwan’s journey serves as an inspiring example for others facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and maintaining hope, urging people to keep moving forward despite obstacles. “I was just a Form 6 student, and I started small. But I knew that if I kept going, I would reach somewhere good,” he states, encouraging those in Labasa to remain hopeful, even when life doesn’t align with their plans.
His story is a testament to the idea that determination and hard work can lead to impactful successes, and he hopes to motivate others to pursue their dreams, no matter their circumstances.