Sharlene Fnone Malaeimi is the UCANZ Link & Correspondence Secretary for NZMWF National Executive. She was a Bossey Scholarship Recipient in 2022. In this article she encourages other women to apply for the opportunity to enrich their lives with this scholarship.

Malo lava le soifua, malo le onosai, malo foi le tauata’i. Warm Pacific Greetings and Kia Ora!

I attended the Mafutaga Tama’ita’i Sinoti Samoa Ekalesia Niu Sila (MTSSEMNZ) camp in April 2021 and it was there I heard about the Bossey Scholarship.

During the Convention, I was named as one of 10 members of the incoming NZMWF Executive team. On day one of the online Convention, Itamua Mata’iva Robertson was guest speaker. She spoke about the wonderful opportunity she was given in receiving this prestigious scholarship. She attended the Bossey Institute and was able to further her studies. Her puurakau (story) ignited a light of encouragement and endless motivation. I was determined to apply.

With support from Leu Pupulu, Rev Sioa Letalu and Tuitui Salevao, I applied in late October 2021 and in November I received news that my application was successful. The scholarship covered my registration fee for the Bossey course and a new laptop.

Fa’afetai tele lava i le Afioga ia President Alison Judd, lau susuga Leu Pupulu ma lou ofisa, Sinoti Samoa, MTSSEMNZ, my āiga, and my Manurewa Methodist āiga, have all supported me during my studies. I was fortunate to get into the online programme, Together Towards Unity. Being Church in a Fragmented World 2022. I met so many knowledgeable people who I call my brothers and sisters in Christ. They include PhD and Masters students from all around the world, committed to ecumenical studies. I found all the lectures and readings refreshing, and I was engaged in every aspect of the Zoom meetings.

I am thankful and honoured that I was given this opportunity to learn many quality life skills and gain an exhilarating spiritual feed for my soul.

I encourage all young women eligible for this scholarship, to take a leap of faith and apply. I did not think I was worthy or qualified enough to get the scholarship or get into the Bossey Institute programme. God is GOOD! The Lord answered my prayers and gave me this chance. I put my trust and faith in God. With God, nothing is impossible.