Fiji Mom Earns Counseling Diploma for Son Lost at Age 4

Kriti Chand walked across the University of the South Pacific graduation stage Thursday with two family members by her side and one angel she carried in her heart.

The 36-year-old Lautoka businesswoman earned her Diploma in Counselling Level 5, fifteen years after finishing high school. She dedicated the achievement to her son Kevin Fong, who died suddenly at age four in 2019.

Chand runs Western Aluminium Joinery in Lautoka, where she's the only woman working alongside male employees. The counseling coursework has already transformed how she manages her team at the aluminum and glass business.

Her sister Ajeshni Sharma convinced her to return to school after nearly fifteen years. The two graduated together on the same day, joined by Chand's niece in a family celebration of learning.

"Education starts anytime. There is no age for education," Chand said. "You can start anytime and there is no age limit to end your education."

The journey required sacrifice from her entire household of eight people. Children gave up time so Chand and her sister could finish assignments and study for exams.

This marks Chand's second qualification in two years. She completed Certificate Level 4 last year and has already enrolled in Diploma in Counselling Level 6. Her long-term goal reaches even higher: she hopes to eventually study psychology at the postgraduate level.

Why This Inspires

Chand's story touches on universal truths about grief, resilience, and the power of family. She didn't let tragedy stop her growth or lose herself in mourning. Instead, she found a way to honor her son's memory through achievement and service to others.

The counseling skills she's learning help her support her employees better. By turning her pain into purpose, she's creating positive ripples in her workplace and preparing for a future where she can help even more people heal.

Her household's teamwork shows what's possible when families rally together. Eight people adjusted their schedules and priorities to support two women chasing dreams that had waited fifteen years to bloom.

Chand proves that our timelines don't have to match anyone else's expectations. Whether you're 25 or 55, whether you stopped school last year or twenty years ago, the classroom door stays open.