14/12/2025
🎉 TRIPLE CELEBRATIONS: INTERN GRADUATION, PO FAREWELL, AND CHRISTMAS CHEER! 🇹🇻
What a spectacular way to conclude the week! Friday, 12 December 2025 at 5:00 PM, wasn't just another day for the Tuvalu Safe and Resilient Aviation Project (TuSRAP); it was a powerful celebration of achievement, transition, and togetherness.
🌟 RISING STARS: OUR LOT 3 INTERNS TRIUMPH!
The air was buzzing with pride also on that same Friday as we concluded the Lot 3 Internship Program! Six exceptional young professionals were celebrated for conquering two demanding online courses: Contract Management and Public Procurement. These aren't just certificates—they represent a significant boost in skills crucial for Tuvalu's future development.
A massive, well-deserved congratulations to:
- Ianeta Heather Motee
- Kanoe Cabanlet
- Lomi Tinilau
- Moanalisa Bali
- Temalai Paelate
- Ukilei Iveni
TuSRAP Director Uinga Paelate had the honour of personally presenting their certificates, commending their dedication since the males started in August and the females in September. Through a successful extension, they all finished strong on this single, memorable Friday!
✈️ A CAREER TAKES FLIGHT: CELEBRATING APINELU
We also gave a special shout-out to Apinelu Tinilau, who completed his two courses early on 14 November 2025. WHY THE EARLY FINISH? Because a fantastic opportunity couldn't wait! Apinelu has already jetted off to Australia to take up a position at one of the cutting meats stations, joining the growing number of Tuvaluans working abroad. His early completion and certificate presentation by Director Paelate are proof that the skills gained at TuSRAP are immediately opening doors to exciting global careers. We wish Apinelu all the very best— just like your 6 interns colleagues, you have also made us proud!
👋 MALO MALIFAGA: A FAREWELL TO OUR PO!
The event also continued with a heartfelt farewell to our stellar Procurement Officer (PO), Malifaga Niukena! Malifaga successfully concluded her contract with the project on 10 December 2025. Since first joining us on 20 November 2023, and serving through 20 May 2025, and again from 10 June 2025, until 10 December 2025, Malifaga has been an indispensable pillar of the project's success. Her professionalism, dedication, and expertise have left an enduring legacy within the PMU. We thank Malifaga immensely for her exceptional service and wish her every success in her next chapter!
🎁 SPREADING THE CHEER: OUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION!
To cap off an incredible day, the graduation seamlessly transitioned into the annual TuSRAP Christmas Party! It was a wonderful moment of relaxation and festive joy where everyone—the graduating interns, the dedicated PMU staff members, and Director Uinga—came together to exchange gifts and share in the holiday spirit. Laughter, good cheer, dances, and brightly wrapped presents filled the room, reinforcing the strong, family-like bond that makes the TuSRAP team so special.
What a day! Congratulations once again to our phenomenal interns and thank you, Malifaga! The future of Tuvalu is looking brighter thanks to the dedication of people like you.