THREE Solomon Islanders will leave for Japan next week to undertake master degree studies in various fields.
The trio had been awarded scholarships by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through Pacific Leaders’ Education Assistance for the Development of States (Pacific-LEADS).
“I am happy to announce today (yesterday) that three Solomon Islanders have been awarded scholarships to study in Japan,” Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands, Kyoji Mizutani said.
They are Mr Teiba Riongary Mamu from the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination Mr Paul Rodney Sukulu from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources and Ms Ella Lynthia Simata from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Mr Mamu will be taking up Environment and Life Science (Research) studies whilst Mr Sukulu and Ms Simata will be taking up Public Policy studies and Tourism and Hospitality studies respectively.
Mr Mizutani said the three are the second batch of students from Solomon Islands to study in Japan under this programme.
He explained that the Pacific LEADS program is part of the official development assistance of the Japanese government.
Mr Muzutani said the programme is based on a bilateral agreement between Honiara and Tokyo.
“Pacific LEADS aims to foster young leaders who play a vital role in resolving development challenges in Pacific island countries and further strengthen the relationship between their respective countries and Japan.
“Both the Solomon Islands and Japanese governments expect the three scholarship recipients to complete their studies in Japan and come back and contribute to the development of this country,” Mr Mizutani added.
The Resident Representative of JICA in Solomon Islands said 10 students from Solomon Islands who were awarded scholarships under this same programme last year continuing with their studies at various universities in Japan.
He said the presence of the Solomon Islands students at their respective universities of studies provide an opportunity for Japanese professors and students to learn more about Solomon Islands, a country that established diplomatic ties with Japan soon after independence.
By LESLEY SANGA
