There is a relief for 19 National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) students, as they no longer have to worry about paying their fees, thanks to the Yazaki Kizuna Scholarship Program.

The 19 students were given the scholarships in a ceremony held at the school on Thursday. Of the 19 students, 13 are doing undergraduate programs, five are doing their masters and postgraduates.

Officials included Yumiko Asakuma, the Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (J.I.C.A.) Samoa office and the Japanese Ambassador to Samoa, Keisuke Senta were present at the ceremony.

Sheronite Lima, who is in the Bachelor of Arts program, shed tears as she delivered an address on behalf of the students.

“I would like to emphasise that the award I am gifted and was awarded today is dedicated to my dear late father who passed away. He is forever my hero and my guardian angel. He keeps guiding me throughout every journey,” she said.

The students who received the scholarship said the financial support was a boost for them, as the burden of paying fees was now removed. For some of them, having to fork out the fees would have meant finishing their programs later than the scheduled time.

Dr. Junichi Kitami, Managing Director of Yazaki Foundation, the scholarship program is to give back to the people of Samoa for their support to Yazaki EDS Samoa over the past 26 years.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the president of the N.U.S. We also like to welcome honoured guests, the representatives of Japanese organisations in Samoa. Embassy of Japan, which is committed to promoting friendly relations between Samoa and Japan, and J.I.C.A., which has been providing financial and technical cooperation in Samoa for more than 50 years.”

The N.U.S. Vice Chancellor, Tuifuisaa Dr. Patila Amosa said this was an opportunity for the students to stamp their mark on their academic performance.

“The students have received tremendous support through full tuition, registration fee, and book allowance for the duration of their program of study. What a wonderful opportunity,” she said. “So dear recipients take pride in your studies and make use of the golden opportunity given to you by the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation.”