Growing up in a rural community in Fiji, Veremo Muria witnessed firsthand the struggles and hardships of families living day to day trying to make ends meet. With limited access to education and basic services, his childhood was marked by challenges that fervently shaped his resolve and future ambitions.
Hailing from Wailotua, Wainibuka in Tailevu, Veremo’s early years moulded his aspirations to give back to the most vulnerable communities in Fiji.
Today, in his role as the Director for Social Protection at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Veremo is proud to be making a real difference where it matters the most.
“I look after the most vulnerable groups in the country, and we look after the administration of social protection policies. I was brought up in a rural setting, so I know how it feels like to be poor and also have some level of social security for the people.”
Fiji’s social welfare landscape is teemed with challenges, with 29.9% of Fiji’s population living under the poverty line. The status quo is further exacerbated by high unemployment rates and poverty levels that disproportionately affect rural communities.
This reality is one that Veremo understands all too well and fuels his passion to create targeted strategies that address priorities of alleviating poverty and enhancing social support for Fiji’s most vulnerable populations.
“For me, it’s ensuring that the staff are well equipped with the tools of trade that they need as you are responsible for the people that are actually doing the work out in the field. And ensure that our Minister, Assistant Minister and Permanent Secretary are informed on the progress of the department”, said Veremo.
Through an Australia Awards scholarship, Veremo attended Western Sydney University in 2015-2016 and graduated with a Master’s in Social Science.
“Being considered for this award is something special for me, growing up and trying to make a difference in Fiji. Studying in a foreign country, it was an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective. The support rendered to me from the beginning till the end was awesome and contributed to where I am today. A lot of networking opportunities were provided by the university that I attended.”
Veremo also added that he still engages with some of the connections that he made during his time at Western Sydney University, including students, lecturers and his mentors.
His journey is not just about personal achievement but a heartfelt commitment to uplift those who share his background.
“Personally, I believe we should apply for the Australia Awards scholarship because we will have access to globally recognised courses and institutions. It will allow us to reach our full potential and be part of the solution back at home.”
As Veremo continues his mission to uplift the lived realities of Fiji’s poor and disadvantaged population, his journey serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and enduring potential to create lasting transformational change.
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