A boy from Savai’i is the inaugural recipient of the 'Justina Sa'u Memorial Scholarship' offered by local firm Samoa Stationery and Books Ltd (S.S.A.B.).

Jonathan Kenose, who is a student and is with the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.), was presented with the award on Thursday by the S.S.A.B. founder and C.E.O. Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai.

He was amongst a group of over 20 students who were presented with certificates and $500 tala cash each under the company’s Meka Back to School Promotion.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, following the presentation of the certificates and funding support, Mr Kenose said he did not expect to become the inaugural recipient of the special award.

"I was not expecting the S.V.S.G. to choose me but one thing is for sure I am not gonna waste this opportunity," he said.

His grandmother Gaupule Saufoi witnessed the presentation on Thursday at the SSAB conference centre, and was ecstatic that her grandson was the recipient.

"I am happy and also thankful to SVSG and also to SSAB for such an amazing award for my grandson. It'll be a great help for him and his studies," she said.

Mr Kenose aspires to become a policeman after he completes his education.

"I want to be a policeman when I grow up because I want to serve Samoa and to give back to my country," he said.

While Mrs Saufoi believes that her hard work at the S.V.S.G. has paid off with her grandson receiving the award. 

"I believe actions speak louder than words," she said.

Mrs Leung Wai and the late Justina Sa'u were close friends with the awarding of the scholarship, which was named in her honour, marking the first time it has been done.

"Justina loves children so much, she was one smart lady full of potential, she was a dux at Saint Joseph's College, she also holds high qualifications," she said.

Mrs Leung Wai said the award was made to honor the memory of her late friend and they are pleased it was presented to a member of the S.V.S.G.