THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) achieved a historical milestone this year as its first student from Vanuatu graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing and Acute Care.
The SINU 2024 Graduation was held at the Maranatha Hall in East Honiara last Thursday and this Ni-Vanuatu students was amongst the approximately 1000 students who have graduated.
This achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the university but the student himself and also for cross-cultural educational exchanges within the Pacific region.
John Anadiere Saur, a father of three, hails from Vanuatu’s Santo Island graduated after successfully completing the rigorous nursing program.
In an interview with Solomon Star during the graduation ceremony, Mr Saur expressed joy at becoming the pioneer from Vanuatu in this academic feat.
“It is a great honor for me to be the first student from Vanuatu to graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing and Acute Care from the Solomon Islands National University.
“This has been a challenging but yet immensely rewarding journey and I am grateful for the support and opportunities that have come my way,” he said.
Mr Saur joined the SINU’s Faculty of Nursing Medicines and Health Science, undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing (Acute Care) program in early 2023.
He said he is prepared to embark on his professional journey as a qualified nurse and looks forward to utilizing his skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
“With the health professional knowledge that I acquired here at Solomon Islands, I am confident that I will give back what I learned during my professional training here to my country, especially in working with other nurses at the Vanuatu Referral Hospital to improve acute care services.
“I believe that with my achievements, I will also inspire others in my country to take up studies here at the Solomon Islands National University in the future.
‘’I also want to thank the Solomon Islands National University for the opportunity given to me to do my studies at the university and I am looking forward to coming back sometimes later to fulfill my study dream here again. I expect to see more students from Vanuatu graduate from Solomon Islands University in the years to come,” a jubilant Saur said.
Mr Saur’s achievement highlights the growing cooperation between Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands in the field of education, particularly in the crucial area of the healthcare sector.
The graduation of these overseas students from SINU last week was described by the SINU Vice-Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau as testament to the spirit of unity and collaboration that transcends borders.
Mr Saur was one of the two Ni-Vanuatu students who graduated from SINU last week. The other student was Kendrick Anii who graduated with a Diploma in Pharmacy Technology.
Their success stories serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for students from Vanuatu and beyond to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in their chosen fields at SINU.
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star Honiara
