Education is key

It seeks to empower you, provides opportunities and allows you to develop in a positive way, says Hibiscus queen contestant Lamawanaivalu Vesikula.

The 23-year old will participate as Miss FENC Fiji/Samabula Drugstore at the upcoming Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus Festival at Albert Park in Suva on August 20-28.

"In Fiji, national data has indicated that after the first four years of schooling, 3000 students drop out of school," she said.

"Only 49 per cent of young people are able to complete their secondary school education. What happens to the other 51 per cent?

"It is important that we encourage our young people to continue to educate themselves even if it is through information education.

"This would allow them to utilize their resources fully and to have a more stable and secure life. I wish to use the Hibiscus Festival as a platform to advocate for education as well as the assistance of education in this nation to those that need it."

Ms Vesikula is a science teacher by profession and hails from Ucunivanua, Verata in Tailevu.

She hopes her participation at the festival will serve as an example to her students that nothing is impossible.

"Sometimes, the things you think you can only dream about can actually come true," she said.

"You just have to work hard and step out of your comfort zone. The sky is the limit.

She joined the festival this to experience something 'different', to step out of her comfort zone and to do her bit for charity.

Ms Vesikula enjoys reading a good book, watching movies, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.