The Sai Ke Tau ‘Ilo Series is a new initiative organized at the USP Tonga Campus. The genre involves motivational talks by selected guest speakers from Alumni and Phd scholars who are in recognized positions in government or other sectors in Tonga.
The main purpose of this incentive is linked to the USP Tonga Campus’ Priority Students (At risk) campaign. The intention is to gather all students enrolled at Tonga campus to listen and be inspired and motivated to study harder and pursue beyond their first degrees. Essentially, when students are inspired and motivated they become influential and positive members of Tongan society and their communities today and in the future.
‘Sai Ke Tau ‘Ilo”- its meaning.
The phrase ‘Sai Ke Tau ‘Ilo’ has enjoyed popularity in the last few years as an almost flippant come-back to any comment on anything, both here in Tonga and also in the wider Tongan community overseas.
Literally translated as ‘Good (for us) to Know’, its usage has transcended many barriers and lightened many situations in daily living in Tonga. Like many such phrases that have caught on over the years, the words can be taken any which way the user and the audience perceives, most often with hilarity.
‘Sai ke tau ‘ilo has been selected as the name for this series of motivational talks to help students on their journey because it is good for them to know. The voice of experience is a powerful one but it is a voice that young people often choose to ignore so we hope that these talks will be better-received as students listen to your stories. Students need to hear the stories, they need to hear of both your victories and your struggles, and they need to know their journey parallels many others before them. And they need to know they are not alone and that there is always a way. ‘Sai Ke Tau ‘Ilo’ can then take on another meaning, because it really is good to know! (Mrs. ‘Ana. H Veikune-Assistant Lecturer: SLAM)
The first series took place earlier this month, on the 3rd of April, with Dr. Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi (Phd), also Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Fisheries, Tonga. Dr. Halafihi drew the audience including staff and students alike to an exceptionally motivating and inspiring presentation. The theme of his presentation ignited the thoughts that one must “Never Give Up”. Students were encouraged to overcome the challenges they may face in their educational journeys and to not lose hope. Also, deliberated in his presentation were interesting findings from his Phd thesis which was based on Ecology and biology of Etelis coruscans and Pristipomoides filamentosus: Case Study on the Tonga Deep-water Bottomfish Fishery.
Students were motivated by his educational journey and took with them wonderful lessons such as to remain focused on one’s goal and to aspire to succeed. Dr. Halafihi also inspired the students of ‘Olokava that with God’s guidance and direction obstacles can easily be overcome. He also acknowledged his education at the University and later a part-time tutor as pivotal to his educational and career achievements.
The Sai Ke Tau ‘Ilo first series has set a firm platform and with the knowledge ingrained in students present that they really need to know, so that they could be successful in their academic journeys.
The USP Tonga Campus community, with gratitude, acknowledged the wonderful messages shared by Dr. Halafihi and continue to be inspired.
The Sai Ke Tau ‘Ilo series shall continue – keep watching this space and advertisements on campus.
