59 new teachers join education |27 April 2009

They form part of a group of 154 teachers who graduated on Friday from the National Institute of Education (NIE) for the year 2008.

Jean-Marc Athanase, who had followed a course to teach mathematics at secondary level, was adjudged the most outstanding student from the group and received the President’s Cup and a laptop computer plus various other prizes which included a return ticket to Singapore sponsored by Air Seychelles.

The President’s Cup was presented to him by Vice-President Joseph Belmont, who was the guest of honour at the graduation ceremony, which took place at the International Conference Centre in the presence of the Minister for Education Bernard Shamlaye, NIE’s director Alex Souffe, top officials from Education, parents and immediate families of the graduates.

In all the graduates had followed a total of 13 courses at the school either as pre-service or in-service teachers or at post graduate and advanced diploma in education leadership level.

The best performers in all 13 courses received special recognition for their efforts during the ceremony.

Athanase also received the prize for best performance in mathematics for a diploma in secondary education.

The other winners were Carol Athanasius (certificate in technology and enterprise); Shirley Pool (advanced diploma in educational leadership); Vanessa Arrisol (post graduate certificate in education); Sheila Bonnelame (early childhood); Idea Monthy (early childhood, in-service); Daniella Marie (middle and upper); Juliette Anacoura (English,); Tyra Faure (French); Cyril Simeon (geography and history); Moira Hoareau (the arts); Diana Commetant (personal and social education); and Clive Camille (science).

Other special prizes given out at the ceremony included one for best professional practice at different course level.

Sophia Rosette was the best performer in early childhood. For middle and upper primary the accolade went to Gina Dugasse, while Diana Commetant won the prize in secondary education.

As motivation for more male teachers to take the profession, Minister Shamlaye had sponsored a cup for the best male performer among the graduates, and this went to Roland Andre.

Congratulating the graduates, Minister Shamlaye said they should be thanked by society for taking up the profession and for persevering in their studies to become qualified teachers.

He said society needs more teachers and should rejoice at the news that 59 new teachers have taken up posts in schools in the country.

He also commended the in-service teachers, noting that their triumph deserves applauding given that they have had to combine their studies with their work.

Minister Shamlaye also acknowledged NIE’s contribution in preparing teachers to join the education system, recalling that it has been ten years since the institution first opened its doors to aspiring and in-service teachers.

He stressed that much has been accomplished since then but that there’s still room for improvement and progression of the NIE.

Also to address those present at the graduation ceremony Mr Souffe noted that each graduation ceremony of the NIE is a moment of glory and satisfaction.

He asked the teachers to be effective, emphasising that effective teachers share a common belief that every child has the ability to learn and they should strive to make this goal for their students.

He said the training they have received is a springboard for further learning and that their mandate is to improve and enhance efficiency of the education system.

The graduation ceremony was interspersed with musical performances and poem recitals.