Five Pacific Islanders awarded prestigious scholarship

MR: Thursday, April 02, 2009

Five Pacific Islanders have been awarded the prestigious United States – South Pacific Scholarship (USSP) to the University of Hawaii through the East West Centre from August this year. The five candidates from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga and Fiji will be pursuing Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in the fields of economics, conservation biology, agricultural sciences and accounting.

Candidate details follows:

Mr. Muguwa Dilu (Papua New Guinea):  MA candidate in Economics
Mr. Walter Faamatuainu (Samoa):  MA candidate in Tropical Conservation Biology
Mr. Tauisi Minute Taupo (Tuvalu):  MA candidate in Economics
Mr. Simote Totauhelotu Foliaki (Tonga):  BA candidate in Agricultural Sciences
Ms. Nikola-Maria Kelera Komailevuka (Fiji):  BA candidate in Accounting

The USSP Scholarship received many applications this year, and the East-West Center and the United States Government congratulate all five finalists and wish them well as they begin their studies in the U.S. 

“The award of this scholarship is an indication of the U.S.’s continued engagement with the Pacific in the field of education and development of future leaders”, a U.S. Embassy Spokesman in Suva said.

“We will definitely continue to support Pacific Islanders in this way, so they will be able to contribute positively to their countries upon completion of their studies, the spokesman added.

“This is just one of the many scholarship programs U.S. Embassies in the Pacific region manage, in conjunction with various educational institutions in the United States.”

The next round of competition for USSP scholarships will be announced later this year. 

More information on the program is available at: http://www.eastwestcenter.org/?id=872

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