The Public Service Commission (PSC) Hosts Pre-Departure Meeting for Scholarship Award Recipients for New Zealand & Fiji under the Samoa Scholarship Scheme (SSS)

The Samoa Public Service Commission (PSC) successfully conducted a pre-departure meeting for the recipients of the SSS 2024. The meeting, held at the Development Bank of Samoa, was attended by award recipients and their parents.

The PSC Commissioner, Gatoloaifaana Tilianamua Afamasaga, emphasized the importance of these opportunities for our students. This pre-departure meeting is a vital step in ensuring our scholarship recipients are well-prepared for their academic endeavors abroad. The Government of Samoa is committed to supporting them every step of the way and urging them to stay focused and utilize the opportunity and be successful in their academic journeys.

A recent graduate, Ms. Ellantine Penelope Fonoti from Monash University, Australia was invited to share her experience as a new student overseas. She offered valuable insights into the challenges faced during her studies and how she overcame them. This has shed some light on what to expect being away from families and Samoa and how to cope with such challenges. She is currently employed with the Public Service Commission Office through the graduate placement system currently re-introduced at the beginning of this year. Her last advice was for students to keep the faith and prioritize their studies and time wisely.

During the group sessions, the PSC staff outlined the following key points:

1. Support Services: It was evident in recent visits by PSC staff to New Zealand & Fiji that each institution offers various support services, ranging from academic assistance to personal counseling. The PSC highlighted the importance of utilizing these resources to enhance the students’ academic journey and personal well-being.
2. Entitlements: Recipients were briefed on their scholarship benefits, including tuition coverage, stipends, and other financial support. Specific details on how to access these benefits were also provided. They were advised to budget wisely to avoid any financial problems.
3. Communication: The PSC staff stressed the significance of staying in regular contact with the commission and their respective universities. Contact details for each university were included in their information booklets, ensuring that students can easily reach out upon arrival and throughout their study period. Recipients were encouraged to communicate any issues or concerns promptly to facilitate timely support.
4. Focus and Prioritization: Students were advised to maintain their focus on academic success and to manage their time wisely. The PSC representatives at each group urged recipients to prioritize their studies and make the most of the opportunities offered by the government of Samoa.

The government of Samoa remains dedicated to fostering educational opportunities for Samoan students and ensuring they have the necessary tools and support to thrive in their academic pursuits.