New Delhi: The Solomon Islands Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni Association (SICSAA) held a celebratory event last Friday to commemorate 65 years of Commonwealth Scholarships in the country. Themed “Celebrating 65 Years of Commonwealth Scholarships — Inspiring Futures, Empowering Communities,” the event highlighted the significant impact the scholarships have had on individuals and communities.
The event featured presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities for past and present scholars, stakeholders, and contributors to the program. Reflections on the program’s achievements and discussions about future opportunities for educational growth in Solomon Islands were central to the event.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Emma Davis, emphasized the Commonwealth’s enduring value as a forum for diverse voices, stating, “As we have seen from the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, there was a reiteration of abiding belief in the value of the Commonwealth as a trusted forum where diverse voices of our member states, the large and the small, the young and the old, come together as one family.”
Dr. John Iromea, Director of the National Scholarship Division at the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA), highlighted the importance of scholarships in his keynote address. He emphasized the responsibility of students to utilize these opportunities for the betterment of themselves, their families, and their communities.
The celebration concluded with a practical session on scholarship application and interview preparation, featuring personal experiences from members of the Scholars and Alumni Association.
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