Non-profit organisation Yazaki Kizuna Foundation will offer scholarships to bachelors degree students and a doctoral candidate at the National University of Samoa.

The scholarships by the non-profit organisation was announced on Thursday by Yazaki Kizuna Foundation and the N.U.S. management.

Acknowledging the challenges that the country is currently facing with the rising COVID-19 community cases to impact the livelihoods of families and individuals, the Foundation said in a statement that in consultation with the N.U.S. it will address the educational needs of the students through its offering of scholarships.

As part of the assistance from the non-profit organisation, scholarships will be offered to 50 Foundation students, 20 bachelor’s degree students and five PhD students as a one-time special measure in response to COVID-19.

The Foundation’s support for PhD students will see a total of six doctoral students receive scholarships this year, with the assistance making the non-profit organisation the largest donor of N.U.S. PhD scholarships to date. 

The N.U.S. has also received support from other scholarship donors such as the Samoa Gambling Authority, Rotary Club, Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, Public Service Commission, Ministry of Finance and others. 

Yazaki Kizuna Foundation President, Michiyo Hamada said they decided to assist at the request of the N.U.S. Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Aiono Alec Ekeroma.

“This year, we have decided to offer a special measure at the request of the NUS VC and President,” Ms Hamada said in a statement. 

“We strongly hope that N.U.S. students will not be hampered by the COVID-19 calamity, but will achieve their academic aspirations and apply their achievements to their post-graduation activities for the sustainable development of the Independent State of Samoa.”

Aiono said in a statement that the special measures for the N.U.S. students courtesy of the Foundation are appreciated.

“I am deeply overwhelmed and excited to acknowledge the extensive scholarships from the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation this year,” Prof. Ekeroma said.

“It is a blessing indeed for the National University of Samoa to embrace these scholarships, simultaneously we are absolutely grateful to uphold the strong partnership that we have established with the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation in Samoa, from the past to present! 

“Most importantly the six PhD scholarships will assist in building research capacity leading to the wealth of research and evidence-informed policies and practices.”

Prof. Ekeroma said at the end of the day the students are the beneficiaries of the sponsorships being granted.

“Given the quality of the work and service that will be provisioned and received within the confines of the University classrooms,” Aiono added.  

“More so, the support for continuous learning and research findings will be up to date and current to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in managing future University projects and academic insights for the government as well as the community.”

The N.U.S. is encouraging its academic staff to utilise the scholarships to up-skill and pursue their academic doctoral journey while acknowledging the generosity of the Foundation. 

The university said it is offering PhD studies in most of its eight faculties and the opportunity is open to applicants from outside the University to apply, especially those with a masters’ degree. Closing date for applications is 17 June 2022. Application forms and details are available from N.U.S. Student Services. For more information about the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation Scholarships please contact: [email protected] or Tel: 20071 ext 132.