Four aspiring Samoans have become the latest recipients of the Chevening Scholarship allowing them to further their academic qualifications at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. 

The four were handed their scholarships at a ceremony held at the Tiapapata Arts Gallery on Friday.

Saouila Melissa Tolovaa was awarded the scholarship for her Masters Degree in Cancer and Molecular Pathology and  Genomics at Queen Mary University of London. 

Olioliilealiieleaunoa Faletoese will be doing her Masters in Global Development at the University of Manchester.

Benaiah Gregory Une will be doing his Masters in Environmental Futures with Climate Change at the University of Essex, and Afulilo Maataua Tapualii Leao Tuitama is taking her Masters in Public Policy at the University of Strathclyde.

The British High Commissioner to Samoa, Gareth Hoar emphasised the importance of the opportunity given to the recipients, and they should make the most of it.

"Today's event is to bring in the Chevening alumni group for new recipients of awards or scholarships. For those who are in the mid-level of their careers to continue their professional development in the UK. I don't expect them to be new people, I just want them to be themselves," he said.

"After all, they will be studying in a new society, a new culture, and a new environment. But we do hope for their successes when they go so that upon their return they will be able to help with the development of Samoa."

The four recipients were grateful and emotional upon receiving their scholarships.

Families and friends of the awardees were all present to witness the hard work of the four. 

According to Benaiah Une, this is a milestone for him and his family. He was grateful for the opportunity he had received to continue and further his studies at a prestigious university.

"All glory and praise goes back to our Heavenly Father. This means a lot to me and my family," he said. 

"I was quite emotional but thank you to the British High Commission for selecting me as one of the recipients of this scholarship. It will be an honour to come back and serve Samoa using the skills and knowledge gained from this scholarship."

The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship, funded by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations, that enables foreign students to study at universities in the United Kingdom.