The University of the South Pacific awarded 8 certificates of foundational studies to graduates of their Social Science and Science foundational programs today.
The associate director for the college of foundational studies in USP Fiji, Susan Sela commended the young scholars.
"Our goal, is to create critical thinkers, leaders, confident, and exceptional students," she said.
"You have achieved success today, but don’t let your development stop there, continue to develop through learning," she added.
Even though a large number of students have enrolled in the foundation course, the eight that have succeeded is something Campus Director, Ruby Vaa is quite proud of.
"This is only the second year the program has held a graduation, it’s a slow start but were getting there," she said.
Most of the eight students are males, something Va'a was proud of.
"So many universities are being dominated by women, and it was becoming a concern seeing boys or men losing their grip on education whilst getting more attached to sports," Va'a stated.
Samoa has been pushing for more involvement of women in its governance and leadership. However, the Campus Director for Samoa says in the education sector, men and women are equal, and it’s all depending on the effort by the individual themselves.
"For education, women have been dominant and its visible, so I am sure there is no problem with education access for women here in Samoa, as a matter of fact we’re trying to push the boys to step up their game," said Va'a.
The foundational studies programme is a transition year for students in USP to prepare for the bigger step in their studies in degree level education.