Smiles, hugs and tears of joy was the order of the day at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa's theology college on Saturday as 32 graduates celebrated another chapter of their academic journey in Malua. 

Out of the 32 graduates, four of them successfully graduated with a diploma in theology, 16 graduated with Bachelors of Theology, five  graduated with bachelor of divinity with honors, and seven with masters of theology degrees.

The graduation on Saturday also marked its first ever ceremony since the establishment of the school to now have theology students graduating with a master of theology in Malua. 

The graduation ceremony – which was led by the Chairman of the Board of Malua and the Elders Committee, Rev. Elder Asotasi Gu Time – was attended by hundreds of families and friends from Samoa and abroad who assembled at Malua to witness such a joyful event.

Among the crowd was Samoa's Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, Council of Deputy, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, Cabinet Ministers, and Leaders of the C.C.C.S. church. 

The Principal of the College, Rev. Dr. Vaitusi Nofoa'iga delivered the report of this academic year on behalf of the Malua Theological college staff and teachers.

According to Rev. Dr. Nofoa'iga, the spread of COVID-19 had an impact on the college's programmes at the beginning of the academic year. 

The nationwide lockdown affected and delayed the commencement of this school year as well as some of the programmes scheduled for the school. 

According to his report, there were 101 students (from first year students to final year students) who enrolled and studied in Malua this year.

That number did not include the 13 students who registered and took up the first ever masters degree of theology course offered at Malua this year. 

There are currently sixteen (16) teachers or lecturers responsible for teaching and nurturing the lives of the students who have offered their lives for God and his ministry.

Rev. Dr. Nofoa'iga said there are four programmes offered at Malua: diploma in theology; bachelor of theology; bachelor of divinity with honors, and Malua Master of Theology Degree. 

This did not include other programmes offered for wives of the students studying in Malua, preparing them for life in the ministry.

Speaking about some of the milestones achieved by the school this year, Rev. Dr. Vaitusi said one of them this academic year was the launching of the Samoan Journal of Theology. 

A first of its kind in Samoa and the Pacific, the journal has received recognition and accreditation by the American Theological Library Association (A.T.L.A.).

He also told the gathering that Malua Theological College had cemented its partnership with the University of Otago with the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Malua hosted a delegation from Otago University which included their Vice Chancellor, Prof. David Murdoch, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tony Ballantyne, Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Prof. Fa'afetai Sopoaga and other executive members in October of this year.

This year, the college was also invited to participate in the official opening of Samoa's 60th Independence festivities on the first week of September. 

Finally, Rev. Dr. Nofoa'iga said that another huge milestone for the college and the church this year is the commencement of its Masters programme. 

He proudly informed the gathering that the seven founding students for the One-year Master of theology degree programme in Malua all passed with flying colors. 

Of the seven (7) students, two achieved high marks and have graduated with Masters of Theology with Distinguish from Malua.

He then used the opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing support and prayers of the Board of Malua. 

He also extended his gratitude to the Executive of the church and all the members of the C.C.C.S. church as well as the families and friends of all the students for their support throughout this academic year. 

Turning to the graduating class of 2022, Rev. Dr. Vaitusi congratulated all of them for completing their journeys in Malua. 

At the same time, Rev. Dr. Vaitusi reminded the graduates to be humble, and serve God with love and humility.

He also commended the hard work and commitment of the teachers and lecturers at the theological college. 

Pelenato Liufau the student President for this year thanked the leaders of the church, the Principal and teachers at Malua, the government, their church families and especially their families and friends. 

 Graduating Class of 2022.

Diploma of Theology: Faleva'ai Ah Kuoi, Filifili Malifa, Ioane Vaiao and Pio Galu (Scholarship student from Tuvalu).

Bachelor of Theology: Apelu and Crystal Isaia, Collin and Aifala Faletoese, Fa'afo'i and Tulaga Atonio, Fraser Taua'ivale, Gaolo and Shirley Elisara, Joshua and Ataata Leatigaga, Maotua and Olevia Upulasi, Matthew and Valma Tagaloa, Mika and Taliilagi Su'esu'e, Nempo and Fuifui Anane, Oata and Tuafale Leiataua, Otele and Rerepairere-o-Mere Va'ai, Paul Mulitalo, Russell Ieremia, Sa and Silau Utaiaana, Vite and Ferite Kalepo. 

Bachelor of Divinity with Honors: Fa'afetai and Jedda Koria, Hobert and Pepe Sasa, La'au Mila and Fa'alaniga Tanielu, Limuaa Feagaiu'e and Kate Laki, Pelenato and Susana Liufau 

Masters graduates: Rev. Alo and Mili Pita, Rev. To'o and Epenesa Tua, Rev. Beretia Unnang, Rev. Teratabu Takaria, Loia Jr and Esther Kolia, Dominic Taeleipu, Tavita Simi and Logosau Reupena. 

The theological college has also named the three scholars to undertake their Masters of Theology studies in Malua next year. They are Hobert Sasa, Fa'afetai Koria and Fraser Taua'ivale.