THE Solomon Islands Chinese Business Council has come to the rescue of two students studying in China.
Parents of Ms. Kate Gwaena and Mr. Tony Sutahi have met their tuition fees, accommodation and living allowance after their scholarships were suspended since the first semester of 2023-2024 academic year for not completing the Chinese language course.
The two students’ studies were affected by COVID-19 when they must learn the Chinese language course online while in Solomon Islands.
Their scholarships can be reinstated provided they pass their Chinese language course in the second semester.
The Solomon Islands Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Barrett Salato received a sum of SBD 47,000 (CNY 40,000) from the Solomon Islands Chinese Business Council (SCBC) representative Mr. Ze Liu on behalf of the two students.
The ceremony took place at the Solomon Islands Embassy in Beijing on 7th March 2024.
During the brief ceremony, H.E Salato acknowledged and thanked the SCBC for its support for Ms. Kate Gwaena and Mr. Tony Sutahi.
Soon after Ambassador Salato took office in Beijing at the end of last year, he was concerned about the plight of the two students and decided to appeal to some business houses in Solomon Islands to assist them continue with their studies in China.
“On behalf of Kate and Tony, and their respective parents, I offer you my most sincere appreciation for the generous financial assistance given by members of your organization to support the continuation of their studies in the second semester,” H.E Salato said when receiving the cheque from the SCBC rep.
The business council had played a pivotal role in assisting the Solomon Islands students in China.
Speaking on behalf of SCBC, Mr. Liu highlighted that the council wishes to assist in improving the life of the students. Moreover, the council wants the students to learn the trade of China and return home to help develop the country.
On the same note, H.E Salato added that one of the priorities of the Embassy is to find market for Solomon Islands products in China.
In acknowledging the assistance for the tuition fees, Mr. Sutahi expressed his gratitude towards the SCBC for sponsoring him and Ms. Gwaena to complete their language program.
He also acknowledged and thanked the Solomon Islands Embassy in Beijing for liaising with SCBC and for enabling the sponsorship to be made possible.
Mr. Sutahi assured all parties present that they will do their best in their studies and make everyone proud.
In conclusion of the ceremony, H.E Salato advised the students to work hard and give their best to attain quality education and make their family proud of their achievements.
He encouraged the two students to adapt to the Chinese culture of learning, adding that, when Solomon Islands students learn the way Chinese do things, they will appreciate hard work and perseverance to achieve more successes in life.