Young engineer secures second China scholarship for Master’s degree

Aug 1, 2025 | News, Sista i Shine | 0

Philippa Seresere, a young engineer from Tongoa Island, is heading back to China for further studies after receiving her second full Chinese Government Scholarship. She is among 11 Ni-Vanuatu students selected this year under the scholarship programme.

Ms Seresere previously studied in China, completing her undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and Automation at the Beijing Institute of Technology. After returning home, she joined the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and is currently working as a site coordinator on the South Santo Road Project.

Speaking at the Chinese Embassy during a pre-departure briefing last weekend, Seresere reflected on her journey so far.

“Moving to China to study engineering was not exactly a walk in the park. It came with a generous serving of culture shock, a few language mishaps, and quite a few cold winters I was not emotionally prepared for,” she said.

“But in the process, I learned a great deal — not just academically, but personally. I became more independent, learned to pay attention to details, and developed a deeper respect for cultural differences.”

She said those lessons have played a big role in her work back home.

“Most importantly, I learned the value of listening, observing, and adapting. These skills have helped me bridge the gap between our engineers and our local workers, helping both sides understand each other and work better together. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and one I’m proud to carry.”

Seresere said returning to Vanuatu after studying abroad gave her a new appreciation for development work.

“Working back home after studying abroad has been humbling,” she said. “I’ve come to appreciate the impact of infrastructure — not just in terms of roads and bridges, but in connecting people and communities. It’s a privilege to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Now preparing to return to China to pursue her master’s degree, Seresere said she feels both excited and motivated.

“I carry with me not only the excitement of learning more, but also a strong sense of responsibility to come back better, even more equipped, and to contribute meaningfully to Vanuatu’s development.”

She closed her speech with encouragement for fellow scholars.

“Best wishes to all of us heading off on this journey,” she said. “We’ve got bags to pack, dreams to chase, and maybe a bit of Mandarin to revise before takeoff.”

Minister of Education and Training, Simil Johnson, also delivered a speech during the briefing, thanking China for its ongoing support.

“I would like to thank the people of China through the Embassy for continuing to support this country in the education of the population of this country. I think there are more students there and this next load will be joining them in a few weeks’ time. They are there not only to be studying but to be good ambassadors representing this country in China.”

The Minister urged the students to make the most of the opportunity.

“I urge all of you who are here and those who are in China to be good ambassadors and learn, taking this opportunity that many students in Vanuatu do not have. You have been chosen out of so many.”

He also acknowledged China’s broader contributions to the country.

“China has helped us in many developments in the country, such as the Presidential Palace, the Parliament, the roads in Tanna, Malekula, and many more — even the shops in town. We are lucky that we have China who can come to do investment in this country, and also they want to train us, because education is the key for the development of a country.”

The Minister ended with a message of encouragement.

“You that have this opportunity, don’t miss your chance. Show your commitment, dedication, and become a good tomorrow, for you to take up the work of this country and continue to develop this country.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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