THE President of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands Students Association, Kevin Olea participated in a China-Solomon Islands Friendship Program in China.
Mr Olea who flew out of the country on Tuesday 27 March was part of a bigger Solomon Islands delegation that also comprise the Vice President of the Solomon Islands National Council of Women and Secretary General, Provincial Council of Women representatives from Malaita and Western Provinces and the President of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Student Association.
Mr Olea told Solomon Star that the trip was fully funded by the China Friendship Association and it has been a valuable learning experience.
He said it is very important for him as a leader representing students of an academic institution to participate in such program and on that note expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government through the China Friendship Association for seeing the importance of providing such program.
Mr Olea confirmed that as part of the trip itinerary, the delegation spent five days in Beijing and two days in Fuhzon Province.
Infrastructure and development on air, land and sea, agriculture, young entrepreneurship, business, women in business and leadership, family and education, culture and developments, democratic and leadership, religious and family were underscored as paramount to any development.
Mr Olea said during the trip, the delegation visited historical sites, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, School of Physics and Engineering, Peking Villages and the Solomon Islands Embassy, and how they relate to current development of China.
He said during the visits, the delegates of China encouraged students from Solomon Islands to apply for scholarships funded by the Government of China to study in China.
Mr Olea said USPSA SI will work closely with the Embassy of China in Honiara regarding these academic benefits and how the association can well utilize them.
The Solomon Islands delegation will arrive back in Honiara today.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
