The Solomon Islands Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni Association (SICSAA) celebrated 65 years of Commonwealth Scholarships in Solomon Islands over the weekend.
Themed ‘Celebrating 65 Years of Commonwealth Scholarships – Inspiring Futures, Empowering Communities’, this milestone event recognized the significant impact that Commonwealth Scholarships have had in individuals and communities, fostering education, leadership and development.
Last Friday’s celebration featured insightful presentations, discussions and networking opportunities with past and current scholars and stakeholders who have contributed to this esteemed program.
Reflections were also held on the programme’s achievements and to explore future opportunities for furthering educational growth in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the official programme British Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Emma Davis said:
“As we have seen from the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, there was a reiteration of abiding belief in the value of the Commonwealth as a trusted forum where diverse voices of our member states, the large and the small, the young and the old, come together as one family.”
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) heads of governments underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping cultural, societal and family values, beliefs and norms; in promoting human rights, peace, economic, political and social development and environmental sustainability, and in fostering responsible global citizenship.
They also encouraged initiatives that provide social and emotional learning, scholarships, opportunities for lifelong learning, quality education and training that bridge digital divides, including the gender digital divide.
The announcement of The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, and his life’s work to create opportunity and to tackle contemporary challenges including climate change and inequality is an example.
In his keynote address on the significance and impact of the Commonwealth Scholarships, Director of the National Scholarship Division (NSD), Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA), Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Dr. John Iromea said:
“Scholarships are what is beautiful, and what is not attractive is not a scholarship. The beauty in appreciating your parents, the beauty in appreciating your teachers, the beauty in appreciating your fellow students, and the beauty in enjoying the Commonwealth Scholarships from the UK Government defines the ‘True’ and ‘Ideal’ partnership in building a strong foundation of a nation.”
He said the 65th Anniversary celebration was also about a future of hope and destiny for our students, people and Solomon Islands and therefore, it is significant that students’ education and training are part of their life, and they ought to guard it well.
“And it is up to you – the young people – to guide your education well by utilizing scholarships to empower you, your family, your tribe, your people, and your community. But, if you do not appreciate the importance of scholarships, your education and training will suffer and die.”
The celebrations concluded with an afternoon interaction on how to write a scholarship application and preparing for scholarship interviews and the sharing of personal experiences under Commonwealth Scholarships by members of the Scholars and Alumni Association.
