The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Samoa Campus was buzzing with excitement and filled with colours as thousands of students arrived in Alafua for the USP Samoa Campus Open Day.
Students from over 95 per cent of Samoa’s colleges took the time to learn about the programmes on offer and tour the state-of-the-art learning facilities and support services available to students at the university.
Students could tour the Campus covering 15 destinations, each displaying information on the nature of their function/role. Collectively these destinations paint for students a complete profile of what USP is offerings generally and the activities on the Samoa Campus specifically.
During the tour, the students participated in hands-on demonstrations and brief Q&A sessions in some sections.
The tour also covered the display booths showcasing the products, programmes and services of some of USP Samoa Campus’ community partners and their affiliates, main sponsors and other interested parties, including representatives from government ministries and banking institutions.
An array of the Pacific and Samoan cultures were on full display at the USP Samoa Campus with a sequence of entertainments by the different student cultural groups/associations.
While welcoming the students and guests, USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia reminded students, “The world is your oyster, and you have the opportunity to pursue higher education at the region’s premier university.”
He also highlighted that as a regional university, USP’s academic programmes are internationally recognised, adding that the quality of USP’s education, particularly to international accreditations, sets it apart from other higher education providers within the Pacific region.
Professor Ahluwalia said, “Not only are we ranked among the top 50 universities in the Oceania region, but most proudly, we are amongst the top 10% of the world’s 22,000 universities according to the Times Higher Education (THE) global rankings.
The Open Day included a message from the invited key speaker, the President of the Samoa Law Society and partner of Stowers & Su’a Law Firm, Afioga Alexander Kerisiano Su’a, himself a proud USP alumnus.
Afioga Alexander reminded students that at USP, the focus to “Shaping Pacific Futures”, translated as Fau Tasi le Sa o le Pasefika.”
He encouraged students to have an open mind. “Being a shaper begins within. I want to encourage you all to allow your mistakes to make an impression on you because only true warriors have marks of war.”
“The key to being a shaper is your attitude. The love for your family pushes you in your studies. Always remember your parents; your ancestors are all there with you,” He stressed while encouraging students who will begin their tertiary education journey next year.
Meanwhile, USP Samoa will hold a second open day in Salelologa on 18 August for people living in Savai’i.
