The first lot of Tuvalu medical students have graduated from Cuba’s University of Medical Science, Manzanillo.
The eight are all women - Pelenise Selota Panapa, Neimaoto Asaelu, Melisula Telogo Limasene, Mauia Loini Talaapa, Christine Lifuka, Rosemary Silitone Lusama, Lisa Fakalupe and Valasi Galu.
A statement from the Tuvalu Permanent Mission in New York says Dr Panapa received a gold award while Dr Asaelu received one of the special awards.
Tuvalu’s Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Fauao Maani and the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Aunese Simati attended the first graduation of Tuvalu medical students in Cuba.
Training Officer, Atabi Ewekia and First Secretary of the Tuvalu Mission to the UN, Sunema Pie Simati were other members of the delegation in Havana to witness the historical and happy moment for the students and the people of Tuvalu.
During the graduation reception held for the graduating medical students, Minister Maani expressed Tuvalu’s appreciation to the government and people of Cuba for the providing opportunities for students to pursue a field of study that will improve the human resource need for the Pacific Island nation.
Students’ representative Dr. Pelenise Selota Panapa thanked the government of Cuba and the government of Tuvalu for providing them with scholarships to fulfill their dreams.
Ambassador Simati reminded the graduands to put into practice what they have learnt during their seven years in Cuba and to treat everyone equally regardless of their status.
The first lot of Tuvalu female doctors are expected to leave Cuba next week to return to Tuvalu.