The Embassy of China has presented local scholarships to 20 students currently studying at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) to ease the burden on them paying tuition fees.

China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Chao Xiaoliang and the N.U.S. President and Vice Chancellor, Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma presented the cheques to the selected students on Friday in a presentation ceremony.

In his speech before the presentation, the Ambassador said he looked forward to seeing the selected students being successful in their academic endeavours and contributing to the strengthening of Samoa-China relations.

“I am looking forward to you benefiting from China’s development strategy, China-Samoa’s cooperation and the exchange,” said Mr. Xiaoliang.

Aiono thanked the Chinese Government and the Ambassador for the gesture, saying the NUS administration is grateful.

"We are very grateful to the Chinese Embassy and Ambassador for starting these scholarships that have seen now 40 students being awarded assistance scholarships to assist with their university studies,” said the Vice Chancellor.

N.U.S. student and one of the scholarship recipients, Seluia Sio, thanked the Embassy of China and the Ambassador on behalf of her colleague-recipients.

She said they faced uncertain futures as N.U.S. students due to the financial difficulties they were experiencing and at one point even questioned herself and whether she made the right choice to apply to university to study education.

However, Ms. Sio said she was reassured by her family who appealed to her to have faith and pray for the continuation of her studies. 

"I mastered up and decided to enrol and hope to receive some financial assistance by applying for a scholarship,” Ms. Sio said. 

"I was thrilled when I found out that I was chosen to receive this Scholarship. I jumped out of bed in excitement, rejoicing and thanking Jesus my prayers had been answered.

"This scholarship will allow my fellow recipients and I to continue to pursue our education and empower and strengthen us to follow our passion. 

“I come with a humble heart to express how thankful we are for this opportunity.

"Your contribution to our education will impact not only our lives, as we strive for our calling, but our community as a whole in the future. 

“Thank you for investing in us and creating opportunities to go out there and change the world.”

These Chinese Embassy-funded scholarships will now enable the recipient-students to continue their studies at the N.U.S.