Malo a bula
My name is Tamari Curubula and I’m 44yrs old originally from Nukunuku, Lakeba in the Lau groups and share maternal links in Makadru, Mutuku also in the Lau groups. I’m married and have a son who passed away in 2022 at the age of 21.
I work as the Centre Manager at The Salvation Army Family Care Centre in Labasa, and this is my 7th year of service looking after the northern division since this is the only safe shelter in Vanua Levu that caters for women and children.
When clients are referred to us it’s our duty is to provide supportive accommodation to assist individuals by encouraging, personal empowerment and offering choices to develop a healthy lifestyle whilst acknowledging their individual needs for healing, growth and self-fulfilment.
When I first started back in 2018, I see this as a job but as time goes by, I fell in love with the work that I do, my passion grew as I journey with ladies, children and girls who are survivors of domestic violence, homelessness and trafficking. I feel so encouraged and empowered every time I come across clients that recovers from the trauma they went when they walked through our gate. Offering as much possible support and journeying with them during their darkest time even if it’s just to sit there and being a listening ear or to be their voice when no one else could give them a sense of belonging.
Seeing life transformed is a joy and I continue to thank God, and I also extend my gratitude to the hard-working staff of FCC Labasa, our previous and current Corps Officers, our stakeholders, corps families and friends who somehow invested in the lives of those under our care. Their contribution does not only impact the lives of our clients it also plays a major role in the staff’s work since we are always open to constructive criticism, and we learn from each other as we go about our work.
As a manager I also have challenges both with work and personally, and I continue to thank God for his divine protection and provision that enables me to take one day at a time. Losing my son was the biggest challenge in the work that I do, especially when I must deal with children who are being abused or neglected at home. I used to ask so many questions as to why? But later on, I came to realise that I was placed here for a reason and that is to provide motherly love for those children that need it. God helps me to look at every situation positively and to use my experiences to empower and encourage those going through the same thing.
This area of work has taught me the importance of trusting in God and relying on his divine plan. Proper communication, planning and a lot of patience because things can’t happen overnight. Clients will come with different needs and expectations but at the end of the day they will finally realise they need God.