FAREWELL FOR THE FIJIAN STUDENTS TO CUBA - Naupoto

19/08/2013


MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS
VILIAME NAUPOTO



SES Conference Room Mon, 19 August
Nasese 10.30am




Her Excellency the Roving Ambassador;
Members of the Public Service Commission;
Permanent Secretaries;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
Today we are here to farewell students who have been given an opportunity to pursue further studies in overseas countries.
To Ilai Cama, Ratu Tevita Lalabalavu, Princess Ashika Prasad, Brenda Williams, Lolohea Tagilala, Sarvin Sharma, Amele Natuaniyavula and Ashnil Avnit Nand congratulations on your selection for the Scholarship award to study medicine in Cuba.

Hearty congratulations as well to Miss Inayaha Kawthar Ali of Kamil College in Ba who will be undertaking a Diploma in International Baccalaureate at the United World College (UWC) based in Canada.
This window of opportunity to study in one of the reputable medical institutions in the world as well as one of the most well regarded and widely known secondary school qualifications in the world, recognized by the world’s leading universities, will allow you to find new friends, broaden your horizons in knowing more about other cultures, learning more about yourselves in conquering challenges and coming up with solutions.

More importantly for those you studying medicine, this avenue will provide you with a life skill gained upon the successful completion of your studies and which in turn will allow you all to contribute to improving the country’s health care services.
Government is committed to having a health system that is responsive to the needs of the people, that provides a fair service and one that has qualified personnel who can provide efficient, effective and professional care.

Government is also committed to providing that opportunity to Fijian students for overseas training in different fields of study.
The Government of Fiji is appreciative of the continued support given by the Government of the Republic of Cuba in the provision of these medical scholarships.

I am told that initially there were four (4) Scholarships given for the 2013/2014 year. And it was through the special and determined efforts of the Cuban Ambassador based in Wellington and accredited to Fiji, Her Excellency Maria del Carment Herrera Caseiro and with the help of our own High Commission in Wellington that this number got increased by another four (4) making the total to eight (8). We are most grateful to the Government of the Republic of Cuba for this generous offer.
Government has fully supported this scholarship scheme since 2010, when the first cohort of students left our shores for Cuba. With the addition of the eight students whom we are fare-welling today, the number of Fijian students will now be 22.

For the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, the Fiji Government is grateful to the Government of Canada for its support. Students who attend this school study six subjects, three at higher level and three at standard level. Students are divided into groups and students choose one subject from each group. The first groups are First Language, Second Language, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Experimental Sciences and Arts. These are diverse subjects’ which assists and prepares students in asking challenging questions, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures. So Ms Ali should consider herself very lucky to be provided with this opportunity to study at UWC in Canada.

To the parents and guardians of the students, your continued moral support and encouragement to your children, will be needed as your child will gradually adapt to the new tertiary environment in Havana and in British Columbia. Throughout their years of studying, your timely advice and provisions of love and care will be a contributing factor to their survival and be a boost to their studying environment.

To you students, you will leave our shores largely as teenagers and return as young adults. My advice to you is to go forth, learn and explore your environment during your studies. Take heed of advice from your parents and guardians even though you will be oceans apart. For you students in Cuba, take this opportunity to also mingle and learn well from experiences that will be shared by your colleagues who are already studying in Cuba.

Take the time to talk about your feelings and your experiences or any difficulties you may face with each other and also do not hesitate to approach your lecturers should you feel you never understood something that was taught. Always have time for each other and support each other when doing your assignments or if you have to prepare for examinations.

I encourage you to do the country proud in your new home. Your experience of studying in a foreign environment will equip you with skills that can contribute effectively to your professional and personal development. I wish you all safe travels abroad.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it now gives me great pleasure to officially handover the tickets, allowances and laptops to the students.

Thank you. Dhanyaavad & Vinaka Vakalevu.

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