Seiuli Emma Arasi-Sua is Samoa’s second recipient of the Ireland’s Fellowship scholarship. She focuses on pursuing a Masters in Environment, Society and Development. 

The Ireland Fellows Programme is fully funded for one year and Seiuli has commenced her studies at the University of Galway previously called the National University of Ireland. 

The fellowship recipient was employed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P.) for 10 years and it drew her interest in environmental issues.  

Seiuli said in the last five years she was employed under a project that assisted the Pacific communities with their adaptation to address climate change. 

She noted the learning experience from her roles in SPREP enabled her to expand her academic background with a focus on saving the environment. 

The daughter of the late Seinafolava Alosamoa Iosefa and Le-Niutapuai Fipe Arasi knows it will be a difficult journey for her being far away from her family and loved ones. 

“Ireland is on the other side of the world, far away from Samoa, but I know the tapua’iga from my family is keeping me warm and safe,” she said. 

“I miss them, to be honest. I owe this journey to my family, my parents, my husband, my siblings and my loved ones. 

“I hope my journey has inspired other young Samoans to apply for the same fellowship for 2025-2026 and years to come.”

Seiuli is married to Feagaimāali’i Joe Sua and she is from the villages of Sale’imoa, Vaivase uta, Siumu, Fogasavaii and Lano Savaii. 

She also acknowledged the Government of Ireland for the scholarship and Mafo’e Williams who was the first Irish Fellow for Samoa. 

The Programme is intended to support graduates on their return home, through the skills they develop, to contribute to capacity building in their home countries and become one of the next generation of leaders in their respective fields. 

It is also envisaged that the scholars will contribute to building enduring positive personal and professional relationships with Ireland, promoting institutional linkages.