Every morning, before dawn breaks in Matamaivere Village, Namara, 22-year-old Ruci Sevodi begins her daily journey to the Suva Municipal Market. With unwavering determination, she embarks on a two-hour trek, driven by her faith and the desire to provide for her family. At an age when many young adults pursue dreams of luxury, Ruci is focused on a meaningful pursuit shaped by her personal challenges.
“I leave home at 5 am and reach Suva by 7 am,” Ruci explains, as she sells traditional Fijian foods like dalo, breadfruit, rourou balls, and occasionally fish and palusami, all crafted by her hand. However, her role as a market vendor is not without its trials. On some days, her sales may dwindle, making the long hours feel particularly strenuous. Nevertheless, her spirit remains strong.
“It can be difficult when things aren’t bought,” she admits, expressing gratitude for God’s guidance and provision. Life in her village poses many obstacles, such as limited water supply and a drop in agricultural activity. Ruci reflects, “People don’t plant as much as they used to; sometimes they even buy from us. Still, we’re thankful for the chance to sell what we have and earn enough to buy what we need from town.”
Ruci’s journey to the market originates from the financial challenges surrounding her aspirations for higher education. While she dreamed of becoming a teacher, her family’s situation thwarted her plans to attend university. “After completing Year 13, my parents couldn’t afford the fees, so I decided to stay home and help instead,” she shares.
Despite not pursuing higher education, Ruci has garnered the respect of her family and community through her tireless work and selflessness. Her story carries an important 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 feel embarrassed to sell in the market, but contributing to our families in meaningful ways—whether through selling produce or small tasks—is valuable.”
For Ruci and many others facing similar hardships, each day represents a step toward greater purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that dreams don’t solely manifest in degrees or corporate titles; they can also take the form of consistent labor, guided by faith and the determination to press on.
Ruci’s dedication resonates with experiences shared by fellow vendors at the Suva Market, such as Lenisa Vurusa, who has spent over a decade selling fresh produce to support her children’s education. Both women exemplify the resilience and strength found among market vendors, underscoring the importance of community support and local entrepreneurship in overcoming adversity. Their journeys weave a hopeful narrative of empowerment, illustrating how hard work and perseverance can cultivate fulfilling lives and secure brighter futures for their families.