Nestled within the heart of the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, lies a tale of inspiration and triumph that has uplifted not only an individual but an entire community.
Meet Lanieta Matamalumu, a remarkable team member whose life has been profoundly touched by the Bilo Bar Club, transforming her trajectory from uncertainty to success.
Hailing from the serene Yadua Village, Lanieta’s journey began at the Yadua Kindergarten, an experience that would mark the commencement of her remarkable educational journey. The support of her parents, both dedicated members of the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji family, provided her with a nurturing environment to thrive in. As she embarked on her academic voyage, Lanieta’s potential became evident as she excelled through Cuvu Primary School and Nadroga Navosa Provincial High School.
During her time at Nadroga Navosa Provincial High School, Lanieta’s dedication and hard work shone brightest. She emerged as one of the top two students during the Year 13 Exams, a testament to her academic prowess and diligence. However, uncertainty loomed over her path as the time came for her to step into higher education.
In 2016, Lanieta took a courageous leap by enrolling at The University of the South Pacific to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources & Tourism. Despite her academic achievements, the financial hurdles of tertiary education seemed daunting. The government scholarship demanded exceptionally high scores, leaving Lanieta searching for an alternative path to fulfill her dreams.
Then, like a beacon of hope, the Bilo Bar Club Scholarship emerged as a life-altering opportunity. Lanieta’s commitment to her studies had caught the eye of the club’s then-coordinator, Ms. Laite Dimoro, leading to her selection as a recipient. The news brought tears of joy, not only for Lanieta but for her parents as well. They rallied behind her dreams, collectively contributing to cover the remaining fees for her education.
The Bilo Bar Club, known for its unwavering support, could sponsor only the first three years of Lanieta’s education. The final year required her to muster her own resources. 2019 marked the commencement of this crucial phase, a year that tested her resilience. While life’s challenges attempted to alter her course, destiny had other plans.
As the world grappled with the pandemic’s aftermath, the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji sought individuals to join their workforce. A serendipitous call from a family friend working at the resort led Lanieta to submit her application. The decision was nothing short of transformative. From a Covid Hub attendant to a telephone operator at the Service Centre, Lanieta’s dedication and capability soon caught the eye of her superiors. Through determination and talent, Lanieta was hand picked by the Assistant Reservation Manager to be cross-trained in the Reservations team, an achievement she cherishes, top. From this cross-training Lanieta is now a fully fledged member of the Reservations team. Her dedication to learning and growth remains unwavering.
Having completed her first anniversary at Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, Lanieta now aims to save for completing the final two units required for her graduation. Her ambitions extend beyond her current role, as she dreams of exploring various departments within the resort, such as Front Office, Sales, and Marketing, with long-term plans to establish her own business.
Lanieta Matamalumu’s journey epitomises the impact of the Bilo Bar Club, transcending boundaries and changing lives. Her story intertwines with the tapestry of Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, it serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring all to dream, persevere, and triumph against all odds.
