The Parliamentary Opposition has urged Solomon Islands’ students studying overseas to act appropriately and be good ambassadors of the country.
The Opposition reiterated the call following a report in media by former RAMSI deputy special coordinator, Masi Lomaloma, who claimed that some Solomon Islands’ students in Fiji could not control their behaviour.
The Parliamentary Opposition acknowledged the Solomon Islands Students’ Association (SISA) for its timely intervention to investigate the incident.
The Opposition said while SISA’s investigation will shed more light on the incident, Solomon Islands’ students must be reminded of their purpose and roles as both students and ambassadors.
The Opposition emphasized that acquiring knowledge and developing good character are equally important in shaping a good citizen. More importantly creating the attributes required of the human resources that the country needs.
The Opposition said students cannot conquer life’s challenges without a good character. And the reality in life is that society pays more attention and judges a person according to a person’s character than their academic grades.
“Therefore it is important that when students do their studies not only should they develop their academic knowledge, however they must place equal importance on the development of their characters. And the way to show ones character is the level of respect students show others and to people’s properties,” the Opposition stated.
The Parliamentary Opposition urges students studying in overseas’ educational institutions to always act respectfully and responsibly as they carry the image of Solomon Islands.
Meanwhile, the Opposition has recommended that government should ensure that students under Solomon Islands Government scholarship are given thorough mentoring and counselling prior to undertaking studies overseas.
“This is to give the opportunity for students to be reminded of their ambassadorial role while undergoing studies at their respective universities,” the Opposition concluded.