Kia Islanders were able to raise $20,000 for a tertiary scholarship programme for students from the island.

The villagers, from around the globe met on the island on Tuesday for an initiative set to change the future of Kia.

Yaro Village was a sea of colours and activities as people from all the three villages converged there for a ‘soli’.

Event co-ordinator, Jim Masiniqa, said this was an attempt to push students to succeed in school as there was only one main source of income on the island.

“There are a lot of students who have qualified for higher education, but sometimes they had to return to the village as their parents are not able to support them anymore,” Mr Masiniqa said.

“This initiative is set to encourage students to change their perspective from returning to the village and relying solely on fishing for living.

“We want them to press on in their education and find employment, because what is happening is that people realise that this is their main source of income and are limiting themselves to this.”

He said the idea came up two years ago after they realised the need to financially assist tertiary students in their studies.

“This will help the students who have passed secondary and have entered into tertiary level,” he said.

“This will cater for their fees. The fund will start this year and will continue for years to come.”

The Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou was the chief guest.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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