There were emotional scenes at the Bank South Pacific’s scholarship award presentation ceremony on Tuesday, when a 13-year-old student received her deceased older sister’s funding assistance.

Naomi Mikaele was one of 54 recipients of B.S.P.-funded scholarship awards, which was originally awarded to her 14-year-old sister Mercy Mikaele, but her recent death compelled the bank to award the scholarship to the younger sibling.

The award ceremony was held at the B.S.P. main office in Apia on Tuesday evening where the 54 awards were presented to successful applicants. There were a total of 150 applications for the award this year.

The recipients were presented with certificates and cheques made out to the school to pay the students’ school fees on top of them being given school bags.

Ms Mikaele became emotional when the B.S.P. Business Manager Maiava Iaeli Tovia-Leota presented the award as she remembered her late sister.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer after the presentation ceremony, she said her big sister never gave up on education and she will strive to do her best for her.

“My sister always tries hard every time she does in school, she never gives up on her education,” she said. 

“I’m sure she wants the same thing for me so I will try the best just for her and for my family that worked hard for this scholarship now I have.

“So I will work hard to get a good position in class and maybe sometimes I will get another scholarship.”

Ms Mikaele’s mother Lina Mikaele of Afega, when looking back at the turn of events including the death of her daughter, declared that it was God’s will.

"God gives and God takes, we don't know our time, only God knows," she said.

Talking about the occasion, Mrs Mikaele said she was thankful that God continued to support them in their times of difficulty. 

She said doctors are God’s servants and they gave their all in an effort to save Mercy's life but longevity in life is up to the Lord.

Mrs Mikaele says she feels courageous and continues to believe in a living God.

"Wherever you go, God is there. I also believe with faith that she became one of the angels before the Lord, to serve and rejoice before the Lord," she said.

Mrs. Mikaele is thankful that her daughter has received the scholarship award which will assist pay her school fees and said she saw the BSP scholarship application notice in the Samoa Observer newspaper.