Solomon Islands Government-sponsored students at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Emalus Campus are grateful for the government’s timely payment of their second semester allowance.
President of Solomon Islands Law Students Association (SILSA) Johan Doiwale conveyed the association’s gratitude when Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation met with them at the Emalus Campus in Vanuatu last Friday.
Mr Doiwale said, the challenges faced by Solomon Islands Government-sponsored over the years include the ‘late allowance syndrome’ which placed students in difficult situation in foreign countries as well as academic and social issues.
But he said, “The second semester of 2015 is an exception as for this we would like to thank the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury for their timely facilitation of the Solomon Islands Government-sponsored students’ allowances.”
The SILSA President added despite these challenges, the SIG-sponsored law students are committed and determined to complete their studies and return home to serve their country.
“We can confidently assure our sponsor that we are on course and determined to successfully complete our studies and come home to serve our beloved in country either in the public or private sector.”
“On this note, I would like to add that taxpayers monies spent on our scholarships are monies well spent on developing the human resources of Solomon Islands as we will be coming home to join the workforce and in doing so contribute to the development of our country.”
Mr Doiwale also used the opportunity to request the DCC Government to look at the possibility of appointing an Education Attache to be based in Port Vila to ensure that students’ welfare are well looked after.
“We see this requested undertaking as necessary as the number of Solomon Islands students undertaking legal studies increases every year and we the SILSA Executive members being students ourselves find it difficult to juggle our studies with the task of ensuring students’ issues are addressed to their satisfaction,” he added.
Addressing the students, Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledged the SILSA President’s words of gratitude for the government’s timely release of their second semester allowance and assurance to him of the Solomon Islands Government-sponsored law students’ commitment towards their studies.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your expressed commitment towards the completion of your studies despite the challenges you have faced. It is very encouraging for me as your Prime Minister to hear you boldly declare your commitment to your studies and return home to serve your country.”
Prime Minister Sogavare added that the University of the South Pacific plays a significant and strategic role in shaping the policies of the Solomon Islands Government and the Pacific region and the Democratic Coalition for Change government is committed to invest more in human resources.
“The single most important strategy to sustainable development is to invest in human resources and the Democratic Coalition for Change Government is committed to see a lot more Solomon Islanders graduate with a PHD,” he added.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the SILSA’s request for the appointment of an Education Attache and added that it as a matter that the Democratic Coalition for Change Government needs to address with urgency.
The Prime Minister was in Vanuatu on a visit to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat.
The visit was made in his capacity as the Chair of MSG.
– PM’s Press Secretariat
