On 4 June 2021, the Australian High Commission in Tuvalu had the pleasure of hosting approximately 40 Australia Awards alumni to a cocktail reception at the Funafuti Lagoon Hotel.
The Alumni cocktail reception was an opportunity for Alumni to network and celebrate their achievements.
The Australian Government recognises that tertiary education is an important component of any investment in development and is currently supporting 23 Tuvaluan scholars in Australia and Fiji. The program’s success relies on their hard work and the skills they acquire to contribute to a growing Tuvalu.
Welcoming everyone to the reception, Chargé d’Affaires to Tuvalu, Ms Leann Johnston said: “Australia Awards Alumni are highly talented current and future leaders, influencers, and change-makers. Individually and collectively, they help shape the world around them.”
Representing the Tuvalu Australia Awards Alumni Network, Mr Tuitala Lasifo, said “the Tuvalu Australia Awards Alumni consists of talented individuals from a broad range of professions. Alumni need to come together and give back more to their communities; share knowledge with communities; support current awardees and recent graduates. As a result, the Alumni will further help the Government of Tuvalu in the development of our country.”
During the event, Alumni shared their personal and professional experiences with each other to better promote their work and strengthen professional networks. Quotes shared on the night included:
“I returned to Tuvalu with new insights and a confidence to drive change in Tuvalu’s education system” Teoni Paape Faafou, Bachelor of Education, The University of the South Pacific, 2016.
“Studying through the AAPS Scholarship helped me to become a better communicator, better decision maker and a more confident leader both in my personal life and at work” Betty Vave, Master of Education, The University of the South Pacific, 2010
“The Australia Award Scholarship had not only given me a world-class education and an opportunity to study in a world-class university but also transformed me into a confident leader in my work today” Elu Tataua, Master of Agricultural Science in Plant Protection, University of Queensland 2015-2016
The Australian Government thanks the Tuvalu Alumni Network for its attendance and ongoing contribution to the development of Tuvalu. We look forward to the next event!
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