Son makes parents proud

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 11 January 2016, 12:00AM

Vaega Toelupe is one of close to 100 students who has been awarded a scholarship to study in 2016. 

The ex-Robert Louis Stevenson College student will be studying in Fiji for three years taking Political Science and Social Work. 

“My interest (in those areas) is because of what’s happening in the world right now. There’s a conflict of power and people are abusing that power but we need to change things. There are already wars going on but we need to be able to live in a peaceful world.” 

Toelupe said it was a blessing for him. 

“It’s the fruit of my work, I could’ve have done better, but I have to accept what I have and know that when I’m finished, I will come back and serve our country.”  The awards ceremony was attended by the recipients and their parents while the honorable Prime Minister delivered the Keynote Address. 

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi’s advice to the students, was that they are future leaders of Samoa and this is just the beginning. 

He reminded them that they have to choose the right people to hang around with. 

Toelupe was buoyed by the Prime Minister’s words of encouragement. 

“Coming from somebody that has been there and done that, is great. He said the right words.” 

 “For the youth, go for it! 

“Life is ahead of us and by working hard, we will achieve all that we are passionate about and get there.” 

Toelupe’s father was one of the proud parents at the ceremony last Friday.  He said this is just the beginning of another journey for his son. 

“It’s an opportunity, I am fortunate to be one of the lucky parents.

 I hope that they will all succeed.” 

 

AWARDS FOR 2016

Close to 100 students are the recipients of scholarships from the governments of Australia, New Zealand and Samoa this year.

The scholarships cover both National University of Samoa and A.P.T.C. students as well as opportunities for those who are in service, the private sector and civil society. For many, the scholarships will mean a move from Samoa to Australia, New Zealand or Fiji but there are also awards for Distance and Flexible Learning (online studies).   

 

1. Scholarship Awards funded by the Government of Australia (32 awards in total)

I. Study in Australia

12 awardees at various institutions 

• 8 Foundation students from NUS

• 4 Open Category awardees (includes in service and private sector/civil society

 

II. Study in the Region

20 awardees at either USP FIJI or FNU 

• 25 Foundation students from NUS

• 12 Open Category awardees

• 7 awards for APTC graduates to pursue higher qualifications

• 1 Faculty of Education student from NUS

 

2. Scholarship Awards funded by the Government of New Zealand (53 awards in total)

I. Study in New Zealand 

 45 awards at various institutions 

• 25 Foundation students from NUS 

• 12 Open Category awardees

• 7 awards for APTC Graduates to pursue higher qualifications

• 1 Faculty of Education student from NUS 

 

II. Study in the Region 

 6 awardees at either USP Fiji or FNU 

• 5 Foundation students from NUS 

• 1 Faculty of Education Foundation student from NUS 

 

3. Scholarship Awards funded by the 

Government of Samoa (6 awards in total) 

I. Study in the Region 

• 1 Foundation student at USP Fiji (for student whose citizenship status rendered them ineligible for sponsorship by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand) 

II. Distance and Flexible Learning (on-line studies)

• 5 awards

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 11 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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