Four Tongan students studying at Otago Polytechnic won the Pacific Island Scholarships 2017 from the Otago Community Trust Board.
Speaking at the award ceremony Madrid Espania Helu who travelled from Tonga to study Electrical Engineering at the institute said the scholarship would help relieved “financial burdens on his parents’ shoulders”.
Kaniva news reports the scholarships were awarded during an Award Ceremony event at Otago Polytechnic which was attended by Executive Directors of Otago Polytechnic, Executives of the Otago Community Trust Board, Senior Staff, students and parents.
Madrid Helu is the son of Sosaia and Amelia Helu, both New Zealand graduates and business owners in Tonga.
Madrid Espania Helu (left) with his mother ʻAmelia Helu. Photo/Supplied