The Methodist Church of Samoa's Theological College at Piula has announced the 22 successful entrants who have passed the annual entrance exam for 2021. 

Passing the exam does not mean an automatic entry to Piula, according to Piula Theological College's [P.T.C.] Principal, Reverend Dr. Mosese Mailo. 

The next step for the successful candidates is the Tautinoga, which is a stringent interview process to test character, attitudes and the behavior of the shortlisted candidates. 

"The interview makes sure that they (successful candidates) are committed to their calling," said Reverend Dr. Mosese. 

"[To ensure that] they are cleared from criminal offenses, marriage certificates for the married couples, divorce documents if required, examine medical reports and others."

But that's not all, for this year's entrance exam, the aspiring church ministers were required to present evidence that they have taken their COVID-19 vaccine. 

The widespread impact of the global pandemic has had an effect on this year's entrance exams, added Reverend Dr. Mosese. 

"There is no candidate from overseas since the measles and Covid-19."

"[But] this was an expected number due to COVID-19 [and] compared to last year this is a good turnout. 

"The COVID-19 has affected candidates from overseas which made up the intake for many years. 

"The final candidates will be determined by the Komiti Tautinoga after the interview, then they will enter into the Foundation Year at Piula after Conference at July."

The successful candidates are: Areta Areta, Tucson Iulai Lavea, Vaivase-Uta Livigisitone, Naiausage Malo, Ratu Keli Faimata, Pene Fa'avae, Anesi Seiuli, Isaia Lucky Tu'umatavai, Tavai Enefatu, Tafua Akapo Namulauulu, Tusitala Samuelu, Alai Tamalega Maletai, Tuputala Ma Chong, Oli Samuelu Leautuli, Paul Lauano Mulivai, Ronald Maevaga, Tavita Amituanai, Ken Mulipola, Talavou Sola Uputaua, Paulo Amiga Lofa, Ioane Afualo and Taina Pa'a'a Tui. 

The entrance exam was conducted on May 13, 2021. There was a total of 22 participants from Upolu and Savai’i Synods who sat the entrance exam which began with a service that was conducted by the Dean of Studies, Reverend Dr. Selota Maliko. 

Among those who assisted in conducting the exams were the College Registrar Reverend Dr. Sanele Lavatai and current students at the P.T.C. 

Piula Theological College trains men and women of faith to become agents of change in the lives of the people of God, and continue to interpret the Faith through a fruitful collaboration of Academic Competence, Methodist Spirituality and Samoan Cultural Values” 

The theological college offers, quality theological learning, where academic excellence is carefully woven with spiritual quality and pastoral discipline.