News Release

First Pathway Participants Receive Diplomas in Samoa

Samoa’s first-ever PathwayConnect alumni received their diplomas Thursday, July 20, during a ceremony at the Pesega Stake Centre in Pesega (Apia).

“This is Samoa’s first ever BYU-Pathway class and it is indeed a special occasion,” said Bruce McCarthy, manager of Self-Reliance for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Samoa.

“Your effort is a testimony of what you can do for yourself, your family, our church organisation and a tribute to Samoa as a whole.”

          

The alumni were presented their diplomas by Elder Meliula M. Fata, an Area Authority Seventy.

Eight current participants were honoured as well as 10 additional students who had completed a pilot program earlier in the year.

Elder Fata reminded those attending the ceremony that “the Lord has commanded us to learn.”

“We belong to a church that believes in education,” Elder Fata told those attending the ceremony.

“Divine principles have to be learned and lived if we are going to be lifted on wings of eagles. If we are going to move the world, we have to move ourselves first.”

Anna Palepoi, who was among the students to receive her diploma, spoke of the impact of her participation in PathwayConnect on her children and extended family.

“Pathway has strengthened my testimony so I can guide my children and my future grandchildren to learn the Gospel,” Palepoi said. “The program has opened up my eyes and my mind.”

          

PathwayConnect (formerly Pathway Worldwide) is a distance-learning programme created by Brigham Young University-Idaho (USA). In February 2017, the program became an official part of the worldwide education system of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The program’s purpose is to create flexible, low-cost opportunities for higher education throughout the world.

The three-semester programme, which helps students improve English speaking and writing skills, is now available at more than 500 locations in more than 60 countries and territories around the world including French Polynesia and Australia. New locations in Savai’i and American Samoa are being planned.

Students who complete the one-year program are then eligible to enroll in the online degree programs through BYU-Idaho at a reduced tuition rate. In addition, they are not required to take the standard entrance examinations. BYU-Idaho offers more than 130 online courses leading to several different bachelor’s degree options.

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