𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝟏𝟏-𝟎𝟗-𝟐𝟒
CAP: The VNPF delegation posed for a photo with SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau this morning after a successful meeting at the SINU Kukum Campus.
The Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau, today hosted discussions with representatives from the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) at the SINU Kukum Campus. The VNPF delegation included John Naviti, Manager of the VNPF Branch, VNPF Board Member Malcom Saman, and VNPF Student Educational Scholarship Support Officer Saksak Amos. The meeting focused on the welfare and academic environment of Ni Vanuatu students, who are sponsored by the VNPF for their studies at SINU.
Professor Aqorau warmly welcomed the VNPF delegation, thanking them for their steadfast support for Ni Vanuatu students at the University. He acknowledged the challenges faced by these students, many of which mirror those experienced by Solomon Islands students, and assured the delegation of his commitment to addressing these concerns.
“We recognise the difficulties that Ni Vanuatu and Solomon Islands students face, particularly around issues such as internet connectivity, limited workspace, and the affordability of education. SINU is committed to working towards resolving these issues and improving the overall learning environment for our students,” said Professor Aqorau.
The VNPF delegation expressed their gratitude for the support provided by Professor Aqorau and SINU, highlighting the importance of this cooperation in ensuring the well-being and academic success of Ni Vanuatu students.
During the meeting, Professor Aqorau also expressed great interest in learning more about the VNPF’s Educational Scholarship Scheme, suggesting that the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) might consider developing a similar programme, potentially offering partial scholarships to alleviate tuition challenges for Solomon Islands students.
“Tuition fees remain a significant hurdle for many students, and I believe there is room for SINPF to explore a similar initiative to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. Such schemes could play a key role in making education more accessible and affordable for all,” Professor Aqorau remarked.
Both parties agreed to continue discussions and explore further collaboration. In a significant development, they also agreed to formalise their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address some of the operational issues affecting VNPF-sponsored students at SINU. This MoU will pave the way for improved coordination between SINU and VNPF to ensure that the educational and welfare needs of these students are met.
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