Stanley Elisara Leavai, a 22-year-old law student at the University of the South Pacific, is one of only two male recipients among the 10 students awarded the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation Scholarship this year.

From the villages of Tulaele and Vini-Fou, Leavai is in his final year of a Bachelor of Laws degree. He said receiving the scholarship was a rare and meaningful opportunity. His mother and grandmother attended the scholarship programme on campus and watched as he received the award.

“Truly grateful,” he said. “Just got the opportunity to get the scholarship, and that was hard.”

The Yasaki Kizuna Foundation provides scholarships to Pacific students. Leavai was one of the few selected. This year’s recipients were predominantly women, making Leavai’s selection as one of two male scholars noteworthy. The other male was Sofeni Joseph Lauano, who is also a law student.

Leavai hopes to work at the Attorney General’s Office after graduation before starting his law firm.

“Get some experience in the AG's Office, and then maybe a few years later, start my private law firm,” he said.

His interest in law was inspired by a family member. 

“It was one of my aunties who took law - and also law has a good income.” His main interest is in criminal law. Leavai acknowledged challenges within Samoa’s legal system and said he wants to focus on criminal law.

“It’s functioning well. But it needs work," said Leavai, specifically highlighting the Lands and Titles Court of Samoa. 

His mother, Tofilau Shamila Leavai, called the scholarship “a blessing, a wonderful opportunity.”

"It's a rare opportunity to be received, given it's his final year - We haven't had that support for him,” she said. “It’s an investment that he knows comes rare- and he's happy to receive it.”

She recalled her surprise when he chose law. “He initially is a commerce student- He does economics and accounting very well," she said. "But when we enrolled him in school, he decided to take law. It was his decision, and I was surprised."

With the scholarship easing the financial burden, the family is proud of how far he has come.

“We are happy that we've come this far - he's made it this far and can receive this scholarship to assist us as parents with our financial obligations,” she said.