Since 1994, Shell has been supporting qualified Palauan students majoring in specific fields of study — Biological Science, Pre-Med or Medicine of Marine Biology; Physical Science, Chemistry (Teaching); Social Science, Economics, Pre-Law/Law; and Math (Teaching).
According to Chur L. Oiph, Scholarship Coordinator of PNSB, over the years the amount of donation that Shell gives has increased from $5,000 up to $12,000. “With this year’s donation of another $12,000, the donation from Shell since 1994 totals $138,000,” Oiph said.
This year, Shell selected eight scholarship recipients, namely, Marica Otto, Biology; Oreng Ngemaes, Marine Biology; Jasmine Bassett, Environmental Science; Indhra Ngirkelau, Pre-Law; Nelson Ngirairikl, Environmental Science; Nikkita Adachi, Chemistry; Shirley Koshiba, Pre-Law; Victor Nestor, Marine Science.
Oiph added that a total of 74 students have benefited from the Shell Scholarship. “While a number of the recipients are continuing their education, more than half of these recipients have completed their degrees and are now working in Palau,” Oiph said. She cited former Chairman and current member of the PNSB Steven Victor as one of the recipients of Shell Company Scholarship.
A Shell Company Scholar receives at least $1,000 to $5,000 per year. Effective 2001, a student must study at a college or university outside of Palau in order to be eligible for the Shell Company Scholarship. “However, Shell also sponsors a scholarship for Palau Community College that is administered through PCC,” Oiph added.
Caroline Skebong, PNSB Chairperson, personally received on Monday the check worth $12,000 from Shell Company (Pacific Islands) Ltd. Area Manager Frank Kyota.
“We would like to thank Shell Company (Pacific Islands) Ltd. and Area Manager Frank Kyota for their commitment and for continuing to give to the students of Palau,” the PNSB said.
“It’s simply part of our efforts to help develop the community resources of the island,” Kyota said in an interview. “Hopefully one day they will return from school and be able to contribute to the society.”
