BY KREINER TUKALI
Boniface Oka from Malaita Province pursued studies in the Diploma of Travel and Tourism at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and successfully completed his studies, graduating on 30 April at the Friendship Hall during the graduation ceremony.
He praised his hardworking mother after the graduation in an interview with Tourism Media, saying his milestone is through his mother’s effort.
“Today is one of the happiest days of my life,” he told SUNDAY ISLES, smiling. “I feel filled with happiness and sadness because my father passed away in 2015.”
“My mother is not educated, but she works as a cleaner for Advanced Technology and manages to pay my school fees as a self-sponsored student at the university, and also supports my two younger siblings.”
Before studying, Boniface saw tourism as the future for his family and the country’s growing tourism industry.
He said becoming a tourism graduate is an opportunity to contribute to his community and future plans to improve tourism in his island.
“We are ambassadors of our country,” he said. “As tourism grows, we must ensure Solomon Islands meets the needs of visitors.”
He is interested in customer service, travel, and sharing information about his country with tourists.
He hopes to help rebuild cultural tourism and encourage young people to learn more about their culture.
He faced challenges in his studies but did not give up and stayed focused on his goals.
“Whenever people look down on you, keep your head up, look forward and move ahead,” he said.
He said tourism is about helping visitors explore and experience Solomon Islands.
He thanked God, his mother, and his lecturers for his success.
He said his achievement motivates him to continue working hard and to support his family in the future. He hopes to find work in the tourism industry and contribute to Solomon Islands development. He also encourages young people to believe in themselves and pursue education despite difficulties. Boniface said education changed his life and he will always honor his mother’s sacrifice.
He added that this year’s graduation marked a new beginning for him and a promise to give back to his community in Malaita Province through tourism growth and youth empowerment initiatives supported.
