Eight students from the constituency of Lefaga and Falease’ela were congratulated today for successfully completing their studies for 2024 at the National University of Samoa (NUS) and the University of the South Pacific (USP).
This occurred in a small ceremony that was held at the District Council (Fono Faavae) office this morning.
The event was well attended by parents, families, and District Council executive members, including Member of Parliament for the constituency Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development Loau Donina Tili Vaa, and the Ministry’s Project Coordinator of the Project Management Unit, Unasa Viane Toala.
Reverend Taulagi To’osavili of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Tafagamanu delivered the prayer service, where he reminded the students to be honest in their studies so they can successfully achieve well.
He reminded them that when they face challenges in being honest, they should remember the love of those allowing them to continue their education—the District Council that has provided financial support to fund their school fees.
Investment for the future of the constituency
Masinalupe, who is also the Chairman of the District Council, wished the students well before reiterating Reverend Taulagi’s advice about the importance of honesty in their educational journeys so they can complete their studies successfully.
He reminded them not to forget the love that has enabled them to further their studies. This is why they must be honest on this journey, and when they are successful, they can return to contribute to the care of their parents, families, and the constituency.
The MP told the students it was crucial to be honest because their success is a return to the incentive that has provided them the opportunity to further their studies. This funding comes through the government via the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.
Speaking directly to the students, he told them they were the “hope for a successful future for the constituency.” He said this was an investment for Lefaga and Falease’ela.
“And who knows, some of you sitting here might be Members of Parliament, lawyers, doctors, and even a Prime Minister,” he said, because no one knows what the future holds.
However, he added that the District Council does not want to hear about young people who are willing to continue their studies but are no longer in school because their fees could not be paid.
He said this is something that educated minds must be aware of, which is why the District Council is looking at incentives to assist parents in paying their children’s school fees from preschool up to college as well.
Masinalupe also stressed to the students that their qualifications—certificates, diplomas, or degrees—will mean nothing if they are not “honest” in their path in life.
Being honest means they will do well and return to take care of their parents, families, and the constituency.
$1 million district development project
These students, according to the secretary of the District Council (Fono Faavae) Leausalilo Sanerivi Le’uo, had their school fees for the first and second semesters at these universities paid for under the government’s $1 million District Development Project.
Initially, there were 15 students whose university fees were funded under this assistance.
Unfortunately, not all the students were able to attend the ceremony that was led by the Chairman of the Council, Member of Parliament Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe.
The students were also handed gifts by Treasurer of the council Leausalilo Leilani Duffy during the ceremony as a reflection of the council’s appreciation for the students’ efforts this year.
CEO of the MWCSD Loau presented the students with their gifts. Loau was also given an opportunity to speak and expressed her congratulations to the students before providing them with very important lifelong advice that is sure to inspire the young people to graduate from their fields of studies.
Loau told the students she was also there to open the door of the Ministry to the students for work experience opportunities.
She reminded them of the importance of honesty, wisdom, and discernment, which will lead them well in their life journeys as students and beyond.
The CEO also challenged the students to think about a project they can use funds from the $1 million District Development Project to benefit their constituency’s development.
She told them she would be back in six months’ time to discuss this with them.
The 15 students are:
- Sapi Ofisa (NUS) from Matautu
- Lalotoa Muliaga (NUS) from Matutu
- Naomi Wendt (NUS) from Safaatoa
- Bennedict Fenunuti (NUS) from Falease’ela
- Omega Pelenato (NUS) from Matautu
- Christina Samiu (NUS) from Gagaifo
- Rosita Tavita (NUS) from Safaatoa
- Vaimoana Samuelu (NUS) from Savaia
- Therese Paulo (NUS) from Safaatoa
- Palota A’evanu (NUS) from Matautu
- Alsiesuli Malofou (NUS) from Gagaifo
- Damien Sheppard (USP) from Gagaifo
- Susana Katie Sheppard (USP) from Gagaifo
- Tespow Pouleta (NUS) from Gagaifo
- Miracle Tali (NUS) from Safaatoa
