Sefo Fuiono Solia lost his mother at birth, and at seven, his father passed away. The hardship in his life had him leave school for four years, but he overcame all that to become the only Samoan to be awarded the New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship this year.

The scholarship is enabling him to pursue a Bachelor of Information Technology in Invercargill, New Zealand.

He was born in Falealupo, Savai’i. He began his studies at Falelupo Primary School and later continued at Vaivase Primary before moving on to Avele College from 1991 to 1995. But tertiary education remained out of reach.

“During my school years, I was unable to attend University or Samoa Polytech due to limited access and qualifications at the time,” he recalled.

Still, Solia pressed forward. In 1996, he began his professional career at Samoa Telecom and Post, where he specialised in electronics. He later joined the Ministry of Police in 1999, serving with distinction for 19 years. His journey continued to the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority as a Senior Technician and eventually to his current position at the Disaster Management Office under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Solia’s rise through the ranks of public service came not from university degrees but from years of dedication, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to contribute to his country.

“However, my passion and commitment to pursuing higher education never faded. My dream has always been to give back to my country by serving in government and supporting our communities,” said Solia.

His long-awaited dream has now become a reality. Through the highly competitive Manaaki Scholarship program, which this year awarded scholarships to only seven Pacific Island students from Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa, Solia is finally undertaking formal higher education.

“Opportunities like this are rare. The process of reviewing and approving applications within the New Zealand Government is thorough and lengthy, ensuring that scholarships and benefits are awarded based on merit, skills, and education, particularly qualifications earned from developed countries such as New Zealand and Australia,” he said.

Solia arrived in Invercargill in January to begin his studies toward a Level 5 Bachelor Certificate. 

“I believe many government employees and students from Samoa and across the Pacific are working hard to seize these opportunities to expand their knowledge and expertise,” he stated.

“These scholarships offered by countries like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Canada are vital for the professional and personal development of Pacific Island people."

“I am deeply grateful to Va’ai Solia Papu and Gaualofa Leotasuatele Va’ai, my father’s relatives from Mulivai Safata and Vaisala, who raised me from the age of seven until I completed my education and got married,” he shared.

“I thank God for their love, care, and support. Without their unwavering guidance, I truly believe I would have been lost. I praise the Lord for this opportunity, which has been both a great blessing and the fulfilment of a long-held dream.”

Now set to complete the program by 2025, Solia plans to return home and apply his knowledge in the service of national development. More than anything, he hopes to empower others with the skills he gains.