Age has proven to be no barrier for 45-year-old Pauliasi Balawa, who graduated with a Certificate III in IT Software Application from Pacific Polytech, following a career change after 19 years in the hospitality industry.

Determined to create new opportunities for himself and his community, Balawa made the bold decision to return to the classroom and pursue studies in information technology.

His motivation stemmed from the lack of access to basic digital services in his village of Nadoria in Dreketi, Rewa, where residents often have to wait for tertiary students to return home during school holidays to type letters, complete online applications, or access other digital services.

BY: LITIA RABUA TUKUNIA