By Hilaire Bule
Copyright dailypost
Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat visited Ni-Vanuatu students at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Campus last Friday, commending their dedication and encouraging them to return home and serve their country.
There are 97 students at the Kukum campus, sponsored by the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF), Ifira Trust, the Vanuatu Government, or self-funded.
PM Napat urged students to consider the sacrifices of their parents and strive for success in their studies. He praised self-sponsored students for their commitment to pursuing education abroad.
“In education and health, Vanuatu will always need people like you. Don’t remain in the Solomon Islands—come back and serve your people,” he told the students.
He added that on returning to Vanuatu, he would speak with the Ministries of Education and Health to ensure students’ names are entered into the system for employment once they complete their studies.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Joselyne Stephen said she was proud of their dedication and performance, despite being far from home.
“We support each other as a family, united by faith and a shared commitment to serve Vanuatu one day,” she told PM Napat and his delegation.
She added, “The true strength of our community lies in our unity. We have built strong relationships and team spirit, caring for one another during challenges and celebrating successes together. Our shared faith strengthens this bond. While we may sometimes miss fellowship meetings on Fridays, attending church on Sabbath or Sunday is a must. We are encouraged to pray and seek God.”
Ms Stephen said, like other international students, they face challenges such as a lack of on-ground support. There is no desk or representative of the Vanuatu government in the Solomon Islands to provide guidance or assistance in urgent situations.
“We recommend establishing a designated contact or liaison officer to serve as a central point of support for Vanuatu students studying abroad,” she said.
On financial support, Ms Stephen noted the heavy burden faced by self-sponsored students. She requested the government explore ways to assist, such as partial tuition subsidies or contributions toward living expenses, ensuring financial constraints do not prevent Ni-Vanuatu from gaining essential skills.
Regarding scholarship criteria, she noted that current government policy prioritises Bachelor’s degree applicants and excludes Diploma programs. She asked for a review to include Diploma courses, particularly in nursing, as they are critical for strengthening the health workforce.
On VNPF sponsorship, Ms Stephen said students taking loans face a heavy repayment burden upon completing their studies, and requested the PM’s support in reviewing these terms.
On equity and fairness in selection, she said many students who applied through the Vanuatu Government Scholarship office were later told priority was given to new students, leaving experienced workers—including some with over 25 years of service—without support. Many of these students are now self-funded and have outstanding fees.
“This is unfair. We have devoted our careers to serving Vanuatu. This training is not just for our benefit—it helps us mentor the next generation, transfer knowledge, and improve leadership and management across health services,” she said.
Ms Stephen acknowledged the personal challenges of studying abroad, including homesickness, adapting to a new academic system, and managing tuition and living expenses. Despite these hurdles, students remain determined to succeed.
“We understand that the investment in our education—by our families and government—is an investment in Vanuatu’s future. We are committed to making that investment worthwhile. Your presence today, Prime Minister, shows us that our efforts are seen and valued,” she said.
The students thanked the Vanuatu Government for investing in education and pledged to continue their studies with diligence, aiming to return home and apply their skills to serve the nation.
