University welcomes Australian Government sponsored students
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 | (left): AAPS students during the welcome ceremony.
(right): Senior Program Manager, AusAID, Rosalyn Morgan delivers her remarks. |
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New and existing students of the University of the South Pacific studying under the Australian Awards Pacific Scholarships (AAPS), formerly known as Australian Regional Development Scholarships, were given a formal reception as they embark on an exciting journey for the new academic year at the University.
Around 200 students gathered for the event hosted by the University’s Regional Scholarship Team (RST) at the Laucala Campus in Suva on 14 March, 2013.
The RST unit was established as a result of a contract signed between USP and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) to provide services to AAPS funded students from the University’s 12 member countries in the region. The unit operates under the supervision of the Director of Development, Marketing & Communications since July 2010.
During the function, students were reminded by the Director of Development, Marketing & Communications, Jaindra Karan, to always think positively and take advantage of every opportunity to learn.
“Always remember your sponsors and why you have been chosen, your parents who have dreams and your country and communities. So make best use of your selection because if you do not do well, you are denying an opportunity for another student who could have been chosen,” he said.
Karan advised students to use the various services available on campus and to stay healthy. They were told to seek help from the RST office if they face any difficulties.
He acknowledged the support of the Government of Australia and AusAID towards USP, and in particular, for providing scholarships to students in the region.
Over 300 students studying at USP are sponsored by AusAID. This includes a total of 275 students studying at the University’s main campus in Laucala.
In congratulating students on their AAPS selection, Senior Program Manager, AusAID, Rosalyn Morgan, said, AusAID recognizes the ability and potential students have to succeed in their study programmes.
“Your entry into academia is an opportunity you have accepted to the important task of development of your home countries. The skills and knowledge you gain at USP will help in the development of your countries and help enhance its economic growth,” she added.
Morgan told students that they have an obligation to their home countries and Australia, as the scholarships are funded out of the bilateral aid program between the students’ home countries and Australia.
Highlighting the long relationship shared between USP and Australia, Morgan confirmed that the University continues to have the largest number of AusAID regional scholarship students.
She wished the students well for the future and said that AusAID will continue to keep a keen interest in their studies.
Students were also briefed on important issues like student discipline and disaster preparedness.
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