New Fiji-Australia Scholarships Alumni Association Launched

19 June 2010

A new Fiji-Australia Scholarships Alumni Association was launched in Suva last night by the Acting Australian High Commissioner, Ms Sarah Roberts. The new association is expected to attract a large number of prominent Fiji citizens who have benefited from the Australian Government’s various scholarship programs, an important component of the Australian Government’s aid program in Fiji since the 1960s.

Speaking during the launch to an audience of Alumni, Ms Roberts said she had no doubt that members of the new association would be able to share a wealth of expertise and experience that would be of benefit not only to Fiji but to the region as a whole.

“Well over 500 Fiji citizens have benefited under various Australian Government scholarship schemes since the 1980s. The calibre of those chosen to participate has always been tremendously high. Many scholarship beneficiaries now hold prominent positions here in Fiji. Others hold senior positions in the region and abroad,” Ms Roberts said.

Ms Roberts also pointed to the strong and enduring people-to-people links, the cultural understanding and the long-lasting networks developed through the large number of Fiji citizens studying in Australia. And those recipients of regional scholarships have had the opportunity to learn more about their region.

Funded by AusAID, the new Alumni Association will:

 promote networking opportunities for its members and encourage the exchange of ideas in their various fields through social and professional activities
 provide a link to other AusAID Alumni Chapters world-wide, as a member of the global Australian Scholarships Alumni Network
 create opportunities for members to provide mentorship to new awardees, participate in activities to strengthen the AusAID scholarships program and to share success stories with fellow Alumni and the broader community
 enhance individual leadership development and capacity.

The new Fiji-Australia Scholarships Alumni Association will hold its first annual general meeting at the University of the South Pacific’s AusAID Lecture Theatre today, where new executives will be appointed to move the association forward.
AusAID will also work closely with the association to provide the necessary support for growth and for links to AusAID’s Global Network of Scholarship Associations. Alumni members will also able to mentor new and ongoing Australian government scholarship recipients.

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