A three-year partnership between Vodafone and the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) will enable students to continue learning despite disruptions brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Vodafone Samoa on Friday.

The partnership will deploy provisioning of a “Vodafone Student & Teacher’s SIM” to each student enrolled at N.U.S. and Staff Faculty members.

For the purposes of free and or discounted data access to an agreed list of educational websites, and additional bonus credits as provided for on a day to day basis.

The partnership will also enable the operation of WiFi Access Services located throughout the N.U.S. campuses for the purposes of independent access to broadband internet for staff and faculty of the University.

It also added that such service is to operate on a best cost basis to the users to encourage educational research and study outside of any services provided directly by N.U.S.

It will also provide the students of Samoa with both the digital education and critical hands-on training they will need to succeed in a digital future.

Vodafone Samoa’s aim is to encourage flexible learning activities by providing free access to a list of approved educational portals. 

N.U.S. Vice Chancellor, Professor Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma spoke on behalf of the council, management, students and staff of N.U.S. to thank Vodafone Samoa for partnering with them.

“With the state of emergency this kind of partnership is very much welcomed as our students are now learning from home,” he said.

He added that they have uploaded all their courses online because they can’t teach students face to face.

“Therefore, the importance of hosting all our courses online and for students to dial in using the Vodafone Student & Teacher Sim Cards, zero data access on websites is extremely helpful.”

Vodafone Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer, Satish Sharma said that Vodafone is a firm believer in empowering future generations to be the best they aspire to be.

“With this new partnership we’re optimistic about the future and excited to see NUS students excel even further.

“I urge all student and parents to visit our stores and grab a free student sim if you not got till now. 

“In case some of you are stuck up due to network locked handset, then don’t worry, we have done arrangement for you to avail very special exchange offer or finance option.”

He added that children should not be deprived due to this challenge.

“As shared, we are committed towards society and our students are our future. 

“Hence count on us we will be there when you need us more. The future is exciting. Ready?”  

With this partnership, Vodafone intends to add value to the lives of the students, provide monetary benefits in terms of scholarships entails the help towards the students of N.U.S. with an annual scholarship program enabling them to excel in their field of studies.

The partnership also provides internships including organized short term assignments at Vodafone Samoa to help develop professional developments. This partnership stamps commitment towards society. 

This also set the tone of new way of learning. Vodafone has always been ahead in these initiatives. 

If you are a N.U.S. student, speak to your lecturer or any Faculty Staff about obtaining a free student benefit. Or visit any Vodafone Retail Store to pick up your free student sim.