(09th APRIL, 2022)- The USP Samoa Students Association had its first meeting for the 2022 academic year on 3 April 2022 under its new Executive Committee comprising of

Ms. Tuala Faivae Lula (President)

Mr. Shaun Asafo (Vice-President) Ms. Leitu Fereti (Treasurer)

Mr. Amosa Togia (Secretary) Mr. Talia Toa (Sports Chair)

Ms. Taefalaula Brown (Public Relations Officer)

Samoan students studying at USP in the first semester total 62, with 47 under scholarship awards [Australian 23, New Zealand 15, Samoa 9] and 15 privately funded.

The breakdown in the programme of studies and the number of students pursuing them include;e

 Bachelor of Commerce [20],

 Bachelor of Arts [10]

 Bachelor of Science [10]

 Bachelor of Engineering [8]

 Bachelor of Law [3]

 Bachelor of Software engineering [2]

 Bachelor of Education [2]

 Bachelor of Geospatial Science [1

 Bachelor of Engineering [1]

There are currently 3 students undertaking Post-Graduate Studies and 3 in the Foundation level.

Overall, female students outnumber their male counterparts by 40 to 22. The same is true also for private students, with 11 females and 4 males.

Following welcoming remarks, scripture reading and a prayer led by Samoan Student Counsellor Taito Louis Lene, Association President Tuala Faivae Lula conducted the meeting. First up was the introduction of students in terms of their names and villages, programme of study and the number of years they had been at USP.

The Association then considered and approved its financial report, membership fee, registration drive, sports events and USP social activities the association is expected to be part of.

The meeting concluded with High Commissioner Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia reminding the students not to lose sight: of why they came to Fiji in the first place and the need to remain focused and committed to complete their studies on time.

He told them that their academic achievements will be their personal assets for life which they can use as equalizers to break down economic, social and gender barriers.

To the sponsored students in particular, he urged them to be humbled and appreciative of the “privilege”, not a right, provided via the scholarship awards to further their education pathways, rare opportunities many Samoan students can only dream and wish for, without luck at all.

Light refreshments were served following the conclusion of the meeting.

ored students in particular, he urged them to be humbled and appreciative of the “privilege”, not a right, provided via the scholarship awards to further their education pathways, rare opportunities many Samoan students can only dream and wish for, without luck at all.

Light refreshments were served following the conclusion of the meeting.