Top Fiji candidates awarded Australian Leadership Award scholarships

7 December 2011

The Acting Australian High Commissioner, Ms Judith Robinson, today presented seven Fiji citizens with the prestigious Australian Leadership Award (ALA) scholarship.

The scholarships are implemented by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) as part of the Australia Awards initiative. The program aims to develop leadership, build partnerships and enduring linkages between developing countries and Australia.

Seven Fiji citizens were selected for the award from over 40 Fiji applicants.

“These scholars can be justifiably proud of winning a prestigious award that will equip them to serve as future leaders of their field in their country and region,” the Acting High Commissioner said.

The seven awardees will undertake postgraduate studies at Australian universities in fields that include Agriculture, Forensic Science, Forensic Accounting, Education, Economics & Commerce and Human Resource Management. They will also participate in a tailored leadership development program during the course of their studies to strengthen their leadership skills, establish regional networks and enhance their understanding of regional development challenges.

One of the awardees, Iowane Tiko, who will be undertaking a Doctorate in Education will be researching an effective system for better assessment methods in Pacific schools and will concentrate his research on Fiji and Tonga. He said, “The proposed research is significant in that it will be the first ever original study of curriculum assessment in the Pacific taking into account that examination is always seen as the best assessment method. The study will also inform curriculum policy makers and the Ministry of Education for both countries of the best possible way forward for better assessment methods for the children of Fiji and Tonga”.

The seven awardees are; Elizabeth Peters (Master of Applied Science; University of Canberra), Finau Nagera (Master of Forensic Accounting; University of Melbourne), Iowane Tiko (PhD Education; University of New South Wales), Saudi Achari (MSc Agriculture; University of New England), Ilimotama Cawi (PhD, Economics & Governance – University of Melbourne), Timaima Racule (PhD Science – ANU), Arieta Cama (MA Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations – University of Sydney).

The Acting Australian High Commissioner presented the awardees with their tickets at a Pre-Departure function held at the Australian High Commission today.

Further information about Australia Awards can be found at: www.australiaawards.gov.au.