Caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has recently congratulated two of his officers who completed their studies last year.
Thomas Bebeu, who graduated from Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, China, with a Masters of Public Administration, was also the recipient of the Best Thesis Award and Overall Academic Performance, and Teddy Kafo graduated from Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, USA, under the Hubert. H. Humphrey Fellowship.
PM Sogavare commends the duo upon completing their study programs and their earnest desire to serve the government and country as they resume their duties.
He highlighted that this is the time to grasp training opportunities as development partners are putting more priorities on education and the upskilling of human resources.
The PM shared his thoughts on the importance of sharpening skills, the benefits of attending foreign institutions, and learning about other cultures and belief systems.
Mr. Bebeu from Malaita Province works at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as Coordinator for Coordination and Monitoring Cabinet Committee (CMCC) under the outgoing Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA).
He conveyed his sincere thanks to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government for this prestigious scholarship award.
“Attending this prestigious university has provided me with a world-class education and access to cutting-edge research opportunities important for my future and professional career development.
“I had gained firsthand exposure to China’s successful strategies, which are essential to our country’s development context today.
“The opportunities and experiences I have gained here have not only broadened my knowledge but also shaped me into a better-rounded individual. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have acquired will greatly contribute to my future success and enable me to make meaningful contributions in places where I work now and in the future,” Mr. Bebeu said.
Before joining the political office, Mr. Bebeu has a wealth of experience serving as Secretary General of the Solomon Islands Red Cross (2017–2019), Deputy General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (2011–2016), Assistant Program Manager Education and Scholarship, AusAID (2009–2011), Quality Assurance Team Leader, Solomon Tobacco (2007–2009), and Program Officer, Foundation of the People of South Pacific International (2006–2007).
Mr. Bebeu’s award-winning thesis is based on “The Challenges of E-Government Implementation: A Case Study of the Social Sector in the Solomon Islands.” The thesis highlights the country’s Electronic Government Development Index (EGDI) and how it is linked to financial and administrative capacity and ways to address it through policy innovation paradigms and reform in the public sector to allow successful implementation of e-government to bring in the desired benefits.
Mr. Kafo, 33, from Malaita/Rennell Bellona Province, who works at the Government Information arm within the Prime Minister’s Office, is the first ever Solomon Islander to be selected and participated in the prestigious Fulbright Exchange program that brings young and mid-career professionals from developing countries to the United States for a year of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, professional collaboration, and related opportunities for cultural exchange.
The Fulbright program is funded by the United States government through the Department of State and other co-sponsors.
At Arizona State University journalism school, Mr. Kafo joined 12 other award-winning journalists around the globe (2022-2023 cohort).
The journalism training certificate is signed by United States President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, signifying the program’s resource-intense and most valuable training programs offered by the US government.
“I sincerely thank PM Hon. Sogavare for his words of congratulations as a leader who values training programs and the benefits of sharpening our skills in the government workforce to better serve the public.”
“The fellowship program was incredible and transformative for me.”
“It enhances my capacity as a government communications officer.”
“Furthermore, the year-long training program has broadened my scope of knowledge on areas in the media industry, human rights, democratic values, and effective leadership.”
As a component of professional enrichment, Mr. Kafo enrolled in courses of his interest, made presentations, visited media powerhouses and executives, attended forums and seminars, networked with Americans, participated in leadership trainings, volunteered, and engaged in other professional development activities.
For the remaining month of the program, Mr. Kafo worked part time at AltaSea, a unique public-private ocean institution focusing on regenerative aquaculture, renewable energy, blue technology, and underwater robotics in San Pedro, Port of Los Angeles, California.
At AltaSea, Mr. Kafo spends time with private companies, learning and sharing best practices for their work programs, especially their communication management plans, operational plans, and business concepts.
“As a Pacific Islander where our economy and livelihood depend much on marine resources, AltaSea helps me better understand private sector-driven programs and their connection with government agencies and science to tackle issues such as climate change, conservation, food security, community awareness, discovery, and science.”
“I will strive to do my best as a communication officer to better serve the government by bridging its people.”
He also acknowledged the US Embassy staff in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and the Prime Minister’s Office for their support, hoping to see more intake from this part of the world to study at US institutions.
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