A total of 24 students who were accepted into Malua Theological College were announced on Tuesday confirming they passed the highly competitive Tautinoga.

The Tautinoga is a stringent interview process to test the character, attitudes and the behaviour and conduct of the successful candidate.

The ceremonial announcement was held at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) Hall at Sogi where family and friends gathered to support the candidates for the theological college this year.

The academic year will start on 6 February with the ceremony of the Tautinoga for the first time concluding at night.

A total of 26 took the entrance exam this year with 25 passing and it was announced on Tuesday evening that 24 will enter the theological college while one will go to the college next year.

The C.C.C.S. Chairman of the Elders Committee and Chairman of the Board of Malua, Rev. Elder Asotasi Gu Time, said that the work done on Tuesday was done seriously and they had tried to carefully look for those who will become ministers for the lord.

"The work done by the Elders today was not easy," he said on Tuesday. "Do not forget today."

Families, friends as well as members of the church had waited until dusk for the results which was something that Rev. Elder Time had highlighted.

"Remember your oath to the Lord, do not forget it," he said.

One of the successful candidates, 31-year-old Tapito Vaueli Sanerivi of Moataa, Pata Falelatai, Saipipi and Faletagaloa Safune is the eldest son of Reverend Vaueli and Rosita Sanerivi's six children.

"Very humbling experience for me to have been chosen for God's ministry," he told the Samoa Observer.

"To say that I am blessed is an understatement. I credit the almighty God for choosing me and for his blessings.

"I know it's not going to be an easy journey, but I am a strong believer that if God had brought me this far, he will carry me through anything and everything.

"I want to acknowledge the strong support and prayers of my parents, siblings, relatives, and friends.

"I am looking forward to the journey and will continue to rely on him for this journey I am about to start."

Tapito is continuing the family legacy. His father Reverend Vaueli now serving at the Faletagaloa parish in Savaii. His grandfather, the late Reverend Sanerivi Tapito used to be resident minister for the C.C.C.S. at Lano in Savai'i.

Another successful candidate, Viliamu Sialepata Viliamu from Vaivase uta told the Samoa Observer that he feels happy as they have been working towards this moment.

"When I worked, I felt that there was a need sit the entrance exam for the Malua Theological College," he said.

"It is something that I have been dreaming of for a while, but the preparation was not easy."

Looking towards the future, he said that studying at the theological college will not be easy and a lot of effort needs to be put into it for achievements.

"It is not easy, but keep trying so that the sons of our country will become good ministers in the future to take care of communities and the church,' he said.

He is not the first one in his family to serve the church, as his sister, aunts, and uncles continue to serve the church to this day.

"I would like to thank my family for the support, because this is not easy," he said.

He is also thankful for the support of his friends, church, and the community.

The successful candidates are: Andrew Fui Taotofi, Benjamin Tuia, Efi Aloaina, Esera Iafeta Paulo, Fa'afetai Alaifue, Fa'afouina Jnr Samuelu, Gafatasimalo Foaga, Galovale Vili Operu, Junior Sanerivi, Junior Saolotoga, Kereta To'omata, Lauina Tevaga Sofe, Liaina Mauga, Mareko Seuamuli Fasi, Marini Jason Setefano, Patamo Soa, Petaia Junior Taufao, Poao Jr Seti Laufio, Pou'oa To'a, Sapati Sapati, Taualeoo Tusani, Tuaovaigafa Lui Ale, Tapito Sanerivi, Taviuni Salele and Viliamu Sialeipata Viliamu.