The Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Prisons, Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia kindly endorsed the Ministry of Justice’s the “Capacity-Building Initiative” proposal initiated by Madam Chief Executive Officer for Justice, Mrs. Temaleti M. A. Pahulu. The proposal allows for the Ministry to assist its staff members with their respective capacity building initiatives particularly in furthering their academic endeavours. This proposal came just in time when The University of the South Pacific (USP) added a new study programme, namely the Certificate and Diploma of Justice for the disciplines enlisted under the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE) in 2019.

The Madam CEO diligently negotiated the “Capacity-Building Initiative” with the Ministry of Finance which was eventually approved in principle and be deemed as a scholarship funded by the Ministry of Justice. This scholarship opportunity was intended for all permanent staff members of the Ministry who is very much interested in pursuing a career in the discipline of law however, in a piecemeal manner at the USP Tonga Campus. The scholarship was announced and 4 staff members were selected on merit based criterion whom have served the Ministry of Justice for several years and were willing to continue on serving, upon the successful completion of the intended course of study. The scholarship recipients are also given other benefits from the Ministry including internet access and flexible working hours.

The recipients embarked on their academic journey in the beginning of Semester 1 of 2020 academic year and are expected to successfully complete their Diploma of Justice by December 2021. The scholarship recipients are Mrs. Mele Kafo’atu Mafile’o (Vital Statistics Officer) and Miss. Savieti Paea (Computer Assistant) of the Registrar General’s Office, Mrs. Siutaisa Na’a Helu (Clerk Class I) of the Accounts Unit and Mr. Viliami Pone Fotu (Senior Executive Assistant) of the Office of the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice. The Ministry of Justice wishes all its “Capacity-Building Initiative” scholarship recipients the very best in their academic journey.

The Ministry of Justice “Capacity-Building Initiative” is intended to be an on-going project to assist the Minsitry’s staff in advancing their academic pathways, and hoping to facilitate the funding of Undergraduate and Post-Graduate studies in the near future.