Ten students at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Samoa Campus are able to undertake studies and pursue their academic aspirations via a scholarship from the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation.
The majority of the students are studying in the Bachelor of Laws programme, with one pursuing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Education.
Scholarship recipient, Feagaimaleata Sarah Tanielu said after facing numerous failed attempts applying to various schemes, she was honoured to be chosen as one of the Foundation’s scholarship recipients.
“Financially, it has lifted a huge burden off my parents, especially my father, who supported both my sister and I through The University of the South Pacific. Academically, this scholarship has pushed me to be more resilient and focus on maintaining strong results despite the different challenges that come with being an online law student,” she said.
“It is truly a dream come true. I strive to reflect the level of commitment in the promotion of mutual understanding and excellence that the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation stands for, and I’m thankful it has helped me do just that.”
“After graduation, my next step is to pursue the Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) programme at USP and seek admission to the bar in Samoa.”
Tanielu is currently a legal intern at a law firm in Samoa and said she has gained valuable experience and insight into legal practice in the country.
USP Samoa Campus Director, Tootoooleaava Dr Fanaafi Aiono-Le Tagaloa said it was encouraging to see the support provided by established organisations in Samoa towards higher education.
“We recognise that education is a powerful tool for transformation. Through these scholarships, businesses are empowering our youth to dream bigger, aim higher and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
Five students were inaugural USP Samoa Campus recipients of the scholarship last year. The Foundation has since doubled its scholarships and plans to provide financial support to more students at the USP Samoa Campus over the next few years.
The other scholarship recipients are Jennifer Saloga Apelu Alisi, Geraldine Karita Aumua, Sofeni Joseph Lauano, Stanley Elisara Leavai, Rosemarie Aovai Demi Lesatele, Cordelia Narayan, Netta Peni, Amaya Asotasi Seiuli and Siripa Uelese.
Japan’s new Ambassador to Samoa, His Excellency Ryotaro Suzuki was also present at the event. The awards ceremony is a testament to the deep relations between the Government and people of Japan and the USP Samoa Campus over the years.
The Samoa Campus has also received books and resources for the library through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and its Resident Representative of the JICA Samoa Office, Yumiko Asakuma, who was also present and gave congratulatory remarks at the event.
