Translated from #FaaSamoa 7 Oct 2021. The University of the South Pacific (USP) Samoa Campus are hosting their annual Open Day programme over two days this week in Upolu and then again for Savaii on the 14th of October. Themed Shaping Pacific Futures, Day 1 on Wednesday morning was well attended by hundreds of high school students eager to learn more about options for tertiary education.
The opening prayer was led by Reverend Poasa Suesue of the Methodist Church of Samoa Alafua Parish, while USP Samoa Campus Director Tootoooleaava Dr Fanaafi Aiono-Le Tagaloa welcomed potential students and gave an overview of the University.
Hon Minister of Education Seuula Ioane delivered an inspirational keynote address to kickstart the day.
The Minister has set a great example for aspiring students having recently completed his Bachelor of Education degree after years of taking a few papers at a time, commuting from where he resides in Savaii.
Hon Seuula encouraged students to take up learning opportunities available to them, and stressed the importance of continuing education.
“The main purpose of the day is for students to explore and learn about the USP Samoa Campus; the different options available to them as a higher education pathway,” said Tootoooleaava Dr Fanaafi Aiono.
The Samoa Campus Director said there are many options at USP for preliminary or bridging courses for students who have failed national exams at the SSC and SLC level, as well as those who may not have done well at NUS Foundation year.
“O se tasi o mafuaaga autu o lenei aso, o le maua lea o le avanoa e silasila ai ulu aoga ma laumua eseese i mataupu e tatala ai le avanoa mo le fanau, aua le sailiga o le lumanai, o loo iai foi le avanoa mo fanau ua le manuia suega o le SSC ma le SLC, ia poo i latou foi ua le manuia le tausaga muamua i le Univesite Aoao o Samoa NUS (foundation) – o loo maua le avanoa iinei e a’otauina ai mo le avanoa e saili ai se lumanai (preliminary courses)”.
USP provided free transportation from the Savalalo Market bus depot to the Samoa Campus at Alafua for all students wanting to attend the university’s open day programme.
“Buses were provided for the students free of charge until 11am”.
USP students hosted their guests with cultural performances and took up roles as tour guides around the campus of the regional university.
Master of Ceremony Manuleleua Dr Sonny Lameta revved up the crowd with students quizzes and a dance competition with exciting prizes sponsered by Bank South Pacific BSP Samoa.
The Director thanked and acknowledged the University’s partners in business as well as government ministries who attended the USP Open Day to promote higher education in Samoa especially amongst the youth.
Scientific Research Organisation Samoa (SROS) as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries had stalls and information booths set up for the public.
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