Scholarships open doors for more educational opportunities for Samoa

Five scholarships in IT studies have been disbursed to the top applicants since the $150,000 tala programme was introduced last year.

The scholarships are part of an initiative by Digicel to improve and expand the knowledge of IT studies as well create more experts in Information Technology in Samoa.

 

Each of the five will receive $30,000 tala for a three-year school tuition, a laptop, a mobile phone and credit from Digicel.

 

The most interesting part of this development though is that there are more females involved.

 

"The scholarships were based on the applications they brought in and it was a long and stringent process. And these were the top five we acquired," said Digicel CEO Rory Condon.

 

"And it is Digicel's push to promote gender equality and women involvement but this here is just these fantastic students doing extremely well and earned their scholarships through their hard work," he added.

 

Two of the three females are from Falealupo.

 

"Again, the scholarships were based on the applications they brought it, and to have these two from Falealupo I guess they will act as role models for more students from Falealupo to strive for the best," added Mr. Condon.

 

The father of one of the scholars from Falealupo agreed with the CEO, but acknowledges that while the door is open, there is definitely a tremendous need to strive to make it.

 

"These kids will act as the pillar and they have opened a door for children from Falealupo and as well as Savaii. But it will all depend on pushing children’s education," said Seumanutafa Uini.

 

"Right now it’s all a thanks to God for his blessings, these are blessings, and thanks to Digicel for such a great initiative, they have opened the door for our children," he added.

 

Fausaga Afaese a female recipient says this will be the chance for them to encourage their peers and the next generation to strive for the best.

 

"It’s hard to earn a spot like this when you’re from Falealupo, and I was constantly looking for a big break like this and now that I’ve got it, I will try to be a role model to the next line so they can give it their best and earn their way up," she said.

 

For the next three years of their studies, these students will be assigned a helping buddy or mentor to assist them with their studies. The mentors will be provided by Digicel and its a way to ensure the students succeed.

 

     

Author: 
Joshua Lafoai