Artika Narayan is the First Female from a Squatter Settlement in Fiji to be a Harvard School Graduate

Artika Narayan: Fuji native found her interest in Computer Science

Hard work, dedication, and education is the key

According to the Global Monitoring Report from the World Bank, extreme poverty has declined significantly.

In 2011 one billion people (14.5 percent of the world’s population) could be classified as extremely poor, down from 1.25 billion (18.6 percent of the world’s population) in 2008.

The World Bank Group’s interim target of reducing poverty to single digits by 2020 seems non-achievable now because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, where substantial job losses happened apart from a huge percentage of deaths all over the world.

However, efforts to reduce poverty by all global organizations will not reach 3 percent by 2030 without accelerating the efforts of governments in Pacific Island nations and genuine political will and society will reduce poverty.

Artika Narayan and her siblings used to sit in their neighbor’s front yard to watch TV as their little window to the world.

Her family didn’t have a television set and this was her only way to watch the local news and happenings around the world.

It is a long way from the little girl who was living in such a difficult and tough time to her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science in one of the world’s top universities, the esteemed U.S. Ivy League school – Harvard University.

She was among 9123 students who graduated in a three-day ceremony.

“I feel happy to be the first female Fijian, from a squatter settlement in Fiji, to graduate with a Ph.D. from a prestigious university in the world,” she said.

“I would like to thank the company that I work for, for this opportunity, my parents, siblings, colleagues, and everyone who helped me in my life.”

Her passion for computer programming began at the age of 13 when she replicated the snakes and ladders game.

From there, she knew what she wanted to do in life – computer programming and becoming part of the gaming industry.

Seeing her interest in programming, her mother bought her first computer in Year 13 while at Rishikul Sanatan College, who was aptly a computer science student at the time.

It was bought from the money her mother had saved for many months.

Always a gifted student, Ms. Narayan completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of the South Pacific in Banking, Management, and Computing.

She also did a diploma and high diploma in Software Engineering from Aptech Computer Education where she graduated with distinction and an outstanding student award which helped strengthen her knowledge.

After several years, she got her big break when she was granted a Skilled Visa to Australia where she was able to take her parents along.

Working off her passion for computers and making games, she has spent the last five years as senior software development and testing director at Aristocrat Leisure Limited in Sydney, where she is also involved in the mentorship programme.

Aristocrat Leisure Limited is one of the world’s top gaming companies based out of Sydney, Australia, and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

In addition to the Harvard degree, adding to her merit list, she also holds a Postgraduate and Master of Information Technology Degree from Central Queensland University receiving the Dean’s Awards for Top Student of the Year.

Upgrading Slums for Better Cities – Fiji

Her advice to students, especially those living in informal settlements, is to dream big.

“Strive to make it happen. No matter how hard life becomes, always smile and be around the light bringers, the magic makers, the world shifters, the game shakers. They challenge you, uplift you, and expand you,” she said. “Be bold, think big; follow your own dreams and pursue them relentlessly.

“Life never comes easy, and challenges are always part of life, never give up.

“Hard work, dedication, and education is the key to success and the most powerful weapon against poverty.”

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