A single mother, who funds her children's education by weaving fine mats, got the best Christmas present ever when her daughter graduated as a registered nurse on the week of Christmas.

Uaina Uati was among families and friends that crowded to the Health Ministry conference room on Wednesday to witness more than 50 students being presented with Bachelor degrees in nursing.

The occasion was the culmination of a a long and hard journey for Ms. Uati's daughter, Jessie Uati.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the 24-year-old registered nurse said that nothing worth having comes easily.

"I give back the glory to our Heavenly Father for everything, all the hard work has been paid off," she said.

Jessie said that being raised by her mother and grandparents gave her the strength to endure all the obstacles during her educational journey.

"I feel humbled and grateful to God for the four years of my life dedicated to my education it was never easy but He was always there from the beginning.

"Now that I have officially become a registered nurse, my aim to offer my life in service to our people.

"The reason why I wanted to be a nurse was because when my family members get sick like my mother, I will take care of them through the knowledge I have gained through studies."

She is from Samalaeulu Savaii but had to move to Upolu for studies and work purposes.

"One of the challenges faced was being away from my family especially my mother."

After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, she had to undergo an orientation programme for nurse where they have to be familiar with the work they will do.

"We ended the orientation programme which takes one year to complete. This is important because it one of the steps that need to be taken in order to be a full registered nurse.

"We went through the measles period, that was such a difficult time for us, it meant not having enough rest because there were so many people getting sick.

"And after the measles, we became the frontline for COVID-19."

Her mother, Ms. Uati said that only God can see her grateful heart as her daughter completes one her hopes and dreams.

"I thank God that everything went well, we supported through prayers, and providing financial support.

"I admit it was also hard on us having to separate with my daughter, because she had to stay in Upolu for school and work while we were in Savaii.

"Her success and becominga registered nurse, is the greatest Christmas present."

She also said that she did not have any formal employment but had to weave a fine mat worth more than a thousand to put her children in school.

"I depended on money from my fine mats to pay for my girls education but on other times we sell coconuts to make ends meet.

"Now that I have become older and cannot weave the fine mats, my daughters are the ones taking care of everything financially."