THE New Zealand Government opened its applications for Post-Graduate scholarships in New Zealand funded by the government through the New Zealand Aid Programme last February.
Every year, 24 qualified individuals are awarded scholarships to pursue Post-Graduate degrees of which priority sectors of study include Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Disaster Risk Management, and Public Sector Management including Peace and Conflict Studies and Indigenous Studies.
New Zealand ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell hosted a reception of friendship accompanied by several representatives from different universities from New Zealand: Auckland University of Technology, University of Canterbury, Otago University, Lincoln University and Unitec.
Ambassador Kell proudly announced that New Zealand universities are ranked among the Top Three percent in the world. “We’ve carefully selected these sectors to ensure that Filipinos receive some of the very best in New Zealand education. Degrees in these sectors would also equip our future Filipino graduates in areas where they can best contribute to Philippine development.”
Scholarships are open to eligible candidates from the public, private and civil society sectors. Scholarships will cover full tuition, living expenses, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, and travel to and from the Philippines.
To qualify, applicants should be 18 to 39 years of age, at the time of commencing their scholarship; have at least one year of work experience (or two years, including internship and volunteer work) and agree to return to the Philippines for a minimum of two years upon completion of study. Interested applicants may visit the New Zealand Embassy in Manila Facebook page for details.
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Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS), located on H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City, Cebu—a Business Achievement and Recognition awardee—celebrated its 15th Founding Anniversary last Jan. 28, with the Sinulog theme, as the school’s patron saint is the Sto. Niño. The historical and meaningful celebration was also the blessing and inauguration of its new green building, St. Therese of the Child Jesus: A four-storey structure, featuring vibrant, environmentally friendly elements.
After a Thanksgiving Holy Mass, teachers and parents re-enacted the arrival of Magellan, and delivery of the Sto. Niño image to Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana in 1521. Following this, students spiritedly danced the Sinulog on every floor of the new building, as the priest blessed the premises.
School adviser Rudy Aviles shared that the school is embarking on a new consciousness, that of being nature-loving and connectedness. “If I take care of nature, she will take care of me. It’s a symbiosis.”
CPMS engaged the services of GSG Architects Co. for its tropical design concepts. Some of these are its Water Recycling System wherein wastewater from washbasins are recycled to hydrate the garden on each floor; The structure’s main columns have a plant climbing support to encourage vine growth and supply fresh oxygen to classrooms and hallways. Wide balconies and hallways provide ample shade and put nature in close proximity to classrooms, even if they are elevated from the ground, explained architect Clive Aaron Guanzon, principal.
Last but not least, CPMS founder and president (since Day One) Marivic E. Bathan, proudly mentioned that CPMS is the leading nature-smart, values and strengths-based Montessori School in Southeast Asia, with some of its core values: Respect, Excellence, Teamwork and Empowerment etc.
Congratulations!