A total of 23 students from the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) and the University of the South Pacific were given SAT$1000.00 each for their tuition for this academic year by the Faleata No.2 district.

The total cost of the grant is $22,834 and the money was presented at the Faleata No.2 district office. The money is a relief to many students as some have had to get part-time employment so they could support their education.

Peteli Stevid Peteli, a 21-year-old N.U.S student with three siblings stated that he was grateful for the district's decision to include education as part of their projects. As an undergraduate student aiming for his first degree in Arts, he is juggling a part-time job at a local hotel.

"This is the first time I've been blessed with a sponsorship and I am so thankful for it. My course is expensive and I have decided to work as a part-timer to be able to afford my school tuition" the student happily told this newspaper.

Jyerah Saifoloi,  a 17-year-old  science student also at the National University of Samoa expressed how grateful he was that his request was accepted by the committee. 

"Opportunities like these don't come very often, and when you get that chance try and make use of it," he said.

"Science is one of the most expensive courses at this time and to be given such a prestigious offer, I am very happy to have been blessed by this, grateful is all I can say." 

Christina Esthernansen is a 20-year-old hoping to land a job at the Scientific Research of Samoa,  (S.R.O.S) after her degree.

She is an agribusiness student at the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P) in Alafua and the youngest of three siblings.

"Now that dad's retired, and mum is the only one working, my sisters abroad have been supporting my school. To have been granted this monetary gift will help lighten the load of my studies and also help my family out," she said in an interview.

Faleata No2 Fono-Faavae Vice-Chair Toleafoa Fiona Uili confirmed that the chosen recipients for this grant received financial aid of $1000 as part of the $1 million district grant.

"It is hoped that it will lighten the burden on parents and assist them financially," she said.

"The committee and board members have approved requests that were put in by the parents and students regarding their school fees." 

The first disbursement of $160,000 from the grant was given for the district's Fono Fa'avae or office operations.

The district council decided to give the scholarships this week as tuition fees were due.