Port-Vila, Vanuatu – Friday 21 February 2025: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat proudly announced Ms Chloé Wilson as the recipient of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Father Walter Hayde Lini Scholarship Award. The award ceremony took place on Thursday 20 February 2025, at the NUV Auditorium, in the presence of distinguished guests, members of the Lini and Wilson families, faculty members, and staff and students at the National University of Vanuatu.
Ms. Chloé Wilson, a bright and dedicated student from Sara Village, Santo Island, recently completed Year 13 at Matevulu College in 2024. She has been awarded the scholarship to pursue a Diploma in Climate Resilience & Humanitarian Action at NUV, a field that aligns with the critical environmental and climate mitigation and resilience needs of Vanuatu and the Pacific region.
In welcoming Chloé at NUV, Vice-Chancelor Nirua wished Chloé all the best in her journey and invited her to be inspired by the vision of late Father Dr Walter Hadye Lini, Founding Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu!
The official handover of the scholarship was conducted by Mrs Mary Lini, spouse of late Father Dr Walter Hadye Lini in the presence of Mr. Ilan Kiloe, Program Manager of Political, Security, and Legal Affairs at the MSG Secretariat, the Director of Tertiary Education in the Ministry of Education and Training, Mr John Kaltau and NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua. The event was masterfully hosted by Mr. Rick Balkonan, Political Officer, ensuring a smooth and engaging ceremony.
In his words of thanks to close the ceremony, NUV Vice-Chancellor Nirua emphasised the importance of investing in future leaders dedicated to tackling climate change. He said, “Ms. Wilson’s achievement is a testament to the potential of Vanuatu’s youth. I welcome Chloé to NUV and invite her to be inspired by the great visions of our Father of Independence to build a nation and region where youth can emancipate themselves socially, economically and politically in order to contribute to their nation-building”. Mr Nirua thanked former MSG Secretariat Director General Peter Forau for initiating the Father Walter Lini Scholarship Scheme, and the present DG Leonard Louma for implementing the Scholarship Scheme in its second year.
He added, “This scholarship will empower Ms Chloé Wilson to contribute meaningfully to climate change resilience and policy in the Pacific. We are proud to support her academic journey and future endeavours”.
Ms. Chloé Wilson expressed her gratitude and shared her aspirations. She said, “I am honoured to receive this scholarship in the name of Father Walter Hayde Lini, a visionary leader. This opportunity will enable me to deepen my knowledge of climate change and contribute to my community and country in meaningful ways. I sincerely thank the MSG and my supporters for believing in me.”
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Father Walter Hayde Lini Scholarship Award is a symbol of commitment to education, leadership, and regional development. NUV extends its congratulations to Ms Wilson and looks forward to seeing her achievements in the years ahead.
