Yazaki continues legacy with scholarship awards

By Ilia L Likou 10 April 2018, 12:00AM

Six students of the National University of Samoa are proud scholarship award recipients courtesy of the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation.

The awards, presented yesterday, will benefit five students studying Science, Business, and Entrepreneurship with one PhD student whose research topic aligns with the Samoan government’s growth strategy.

The Bachelor programme students are: Fa’apopo Maiava, Upuia Sefo, Ietitaia Simi, Alva Tulimalefasi and Eileen Williams. The PhD student is Torise Sa’u Ne’emia.

Representative of the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation, Takumi Iwata, said their objective is to support the development of Samoa.

“Yazaki Corporation has been seeking a way to express our appreciation for Samoa’s support and this is why we decided to establish the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation,” he said.

“The funds provided by this scholarship will ensure a stable academic life for the recipients and this will allow you to focus in your specialty in expectation of its contribution to the country’s future development.

“A chance to attend university is not available to everyone. Make the effort and expand your knowledge through N.U.S. and in the future use the experience to find your opportunities for the country and your own path in life.”

Scholarship awardee Torise Sa’u – Ne’emia is extremely grateful.

“My research is driven by a passion to see more opportunities open for women to discover their full potential,” Torise said.

“I believe that if you give a Samoan woman who has a heart for God and her country the opportunity to realise her full potential – she will not thrive on her own but she will thrive with and for her church, her village and her family.

‘However in saying this, receiving this scholarship award is more than financial relief, the most inspiring aspect of receiving this award is the fact that Yazaki recognises the importance of my field of women in the village.

“I have always believed that women in the villages especially in the church hold the key to the socio-economic and development of families in Samoa.”

She said that one of the greatest challenges of undertaking a PhD project is “funding.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to receive this award, it has lightened my financial burden and now allows me to concentrate on writing my doctorate thesis.

“To the University, honourable Vice Chancellor, our Deputy Vice Chancellor and fellow colleagues thank you for your support and the opportunity given.

“Today’s scholarships presentation demonstrates the integrity of your foundation, you opened this pathway to a good education and now you have given some of us the means to make the journey.

“Your ongoing support and assistance is greatly appreciated.”

The National University of Samoa Vice Chancellor, Professor Fui Asofou So'o thanked Yazaki Kizuna Foundation for their generous support.

By Ilia L Likou 10 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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