Six Solomon Islanders win Australian Leadership Award Scholarships for 2008

Six Solomon Islanders have been awarded the 2008 Australian Leadership Award (ALA) Scholarship to undertake Masters and Doctorate level of studies in Australia next year among other scholars from the Asia Pacific region.

The Solomon Islands awardess are Mr Mechior Mataki, Mr Jack Maebuta, Mr George Sanau, Luisa Fakaia, Mrs Jenifer Fugui and another unnamed scholar. All the awardees would be pursuing Masters level of studies except Mr Maebuta and Mr Mataki who would be doing doctorate studies.

It is understood the Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are a component of the Australian Leadership Awards, a regional program under the Australian Scholarships initiative. Australian Leadership Awards aim to develop leadership, build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific.

They are intended for those who are already leaders or have the potential to assume leadership roles that can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region.

ALA Scholarships are academically elite awards offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region each year to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) and a Leadership Development Program in Australia.

Objectives of ALA Scholarships are to:
- develop a cadre of leaders advancing regional reform, development and governance
- increase exchange of knowledge and information within the region
- build common purpose and understanding between Australia and the region
- build capacity to address priority regional issues
- build effective networks between Australia and the region
- demonstrate the benefits of Australian education through the provision of high quality education.

The ALA Scholarship initiative commenced this year with first intakes from Solomon Islands including Mr Isaac Lekelalu, Mr Morris Namoga, Mr Exsley Taloiburi and Mr Robson Lumukana.