The Vice Chancellor of the Samoa based Oceania University of Medicine has been awarded the prestigious Sir Terepai Tuamure Maoate International Study Award.
Manufaleali’i Toleafoa Dr. Viali Lameko was honoured, along with eight other Samoans,in recognition of his work in Samoa and the region during the 2020 Pacific Medical Association Scholarship Awards event at The Cordis in Auckland on Wednesday evening.
Samoa Observer reports the recognition comes with NZ$20,000 to undertake a course or study in an International Institution.
Samoans who also received awards include Benjamin-Eliyas Tunufa’i-Pualau, Madison Leilua, Maumea Peter Autagavaia, Miriam Karalus, Jordan Meddings and Sophie Papali’i.
According to a media statement issued by the Pasifika Medical Association, the annual scholarship scheme costs a combined total of NZ$90,000 ($T162,000).
The scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, which have been named after life members of the P.M.A., have been awarded on a yearly basis since 2018 and provide tuition and study related costs to assist people into medical and health related careers.
The P.M.A Chief Executive Officer, Debbie Sorensen, told the New Zealand Doctor that the scholarships ensure more Pacific students are supported in careers that will benefit the Pacific community.
“Our group has been supporting Pacific clinicians for over 20 years, we recognise their value to the health sector and Pacific communities continue to benefit from their expertise,” she said.
She added that the scholarships help remove any hardships and barriers students might have in entering tertiary education.
