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๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Monday this week honoured 41 Year Three nursing students from Vanuatu during a completion and recognition ceremony held at the SINU Kukum Campus Hall.
The brief but colourful ceremony celebrated the 2023โ2025 cohort of Vanuatu nursing students who have successfully completed their studies at SINU. Dressed in traditional Vanuatu colours, the students marked the occasion as they farewelled the University and prepared to return home to serve their country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic (PVCA) and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Associate Professor Eric Katovai, congratulated the students on their commitment and perseverance throughout their three-year academic journey.
โTo our 41 Year Three nursing students from Vanuatu, today we honour you. You came to SINU not only to study nursing, but to commit yourselves to a callingโone that demands discipline, compassion, sacrifice, and resilience,โ Associate Professor Katovai said.
He reminded the students that nursing is more than a profession, describing it as service in its most human form.
โOver the last three years, you have navigated academic rigour, clinical placements, cultural adjustment, and time away from home. You have grown not only in knowledge, but also in character,โ he added.
As the students prepare to leave SINU, the Acting Vice-Chancellor encouraged them to remember their purpose, lead with humanity and integrity, and carry the Pacific spirit with them wherever they go.
Associate Professor Katovai also acknowledged the collective support behind the studentsโ success, including their families, churches, communities, and the Government and people of Vanuatu.
โOn behalf of SINU, I congratulate each of you on reaching this important milestone. We are proud of you and look forward to the positive impact you will make in the lives of many,โ he said.
He further highlighted the strong partnership between SINU and Vanuatu, noting that the studentsโ presence at the University reflects the regional and collaborative nature of education in the Pacific.
โWe do not grow alone; we grow together,โ he said.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine, and Health Sciences (FNMHS), including its clinical supervisors, under the leadership of Dean Dr Humpress Harrington, for their professionalism and commitment to quality nursing education.
โYou have shaped not only competent practitioners, but ethical professionals grounded in dignity, respect, and empathy,โ he said.
Also present at the ceremony was Ms Fabiola Remy, a representative from the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF), the major sponsor supporting most of the Vanuatu nursing students.
Ms Remy said it was an honour to join the Vanuatu Students Association in celebrating the studentsโ achievement.
โToday is a proud day not only for the graduates, but for the entire Vanuatu. Completing your nursing studies required dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance,โ she said.
She encouraged the graduates as they enter one of the most respected professions, highlighting their important role in strengthening Vanuatuโs health system.
Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine, and Health Sciences, Dr Humpress Harrington, also addressed the students, reminding them of the values that will guide them in their professional lives. He encouraged the graduates to master their work, respect leadership, remain faithful in their duties, and uphold honesty and integrity.
Representing the Vanuatu students, former class captain Mr Ini Budley Tari expressed appreciation to SINU for supporting their learning over the past three years. He said the University provided not only academic knowledge, but also guidance, discipline, and opportunities that contributed to their personal and professional growth.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and leadership award recognitions.
ENDS//