Raituva gets scholarship for UK masters degree in science
The study would allow him to learn about climate change, development and policy
University of the South Pacific staff Jone Raituva says he looks forward to use his knowledge to develop Climate Change work after his British studies.
Mr Raituva has been awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to undertake a Master of Science degree in Climate Change, Development and Policy at the University of Sussex, England.
Over 800 scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development are awarded to Commonwealth citizens each year.
Mr Raituva works as a Technical Assistant for the Institute of Applied Science at USP.
He holds a Bachelor of Education degree in biology and chemistry and also has a post graduate diploma in Science (Biology). Commenting on his choice of study, he says climate change, development, agriculture, growing economy and energy are perhaps the most important issues of our time.
“As a Pacific Island nation, Fiji is at the frontier of Climate Change impacts. It is therefore crucial to develop the capacity in understanding the underlying causes of Climate Change, practising environment friendly development which at the same time is adapted to an uncertain changing climate.
He says his programme not only focuses on the scientific aspect, but also provides a fair idea of concepts in development, economics and policy. Similarly it helps strengthen one’s knowledge of the earth systems and climate impacts on water, food and ecosystems.
He hopes to gain practical experience of the methods, techniques and approaches used at international level and build upon his network with experienced scientists in the field.
On completion of his studies, he hopes to link the knowledge he has acquired in the UK with what is already available at national level and assist relevant government agencies, and NGOs in developing policies, strategies and legislation aligned to the three development pillars proposed in Fiji’s Green Growth Framework. Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships in the UK are funded by the DFID - UK Department for International Development(for developing Commonwealth countries) and the Department for Education (for developed Commonwealth countries), in conjunction with UK universities.
The CSC aims to contribute to the UK’s international development 0bjectives and wider overseas interests, support excellence in UK higher education, and sustain the principles of the Commonwealth. Candidates are selected on the basis of merit and their potential to contribute to the needs of their home countries.