New group joins teaching profession |26 April 2010

He was speaking at the graduation ceremony for the year 2009 group of students from the ex-National Institute of Education (NIE) – now the School of Education at the University of Seychelles (UniSey) – which took place at Deepam Royale auditorium at Anse Royale.

A total of 136 qualified teachers graduated from 13 courses offered by the institute at certificate, diploma, advanced-diploma and post-graduate level.

These are certificate in Physical Education, Day Care Management and Primary and Secondary Education Diploma in Early Childhood, Middle and Upper Primary, English, French, Science, History, Geography, The Arts, Technology and Enterprise and Personal and Social Education.

There were also recipients of Advanced Diploma and Post Graduate Certificates in Education.

Elvis Alphonse was the institute’s most outstanding student and he received the President’s Cup, a laptop computer sponsored by President James Michel as well as a return ticket to Singapore sponsored by Air Seychelles.

He received his prizes from Vice-President Joseph Belmont, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony, and Mr Shamlaye.

Friday’s ceremony was also attended by principal secretary for Education Jeanne Simeon, ex-NIE director Alex Souffe, vice-chancellor of UniSey Dr Rolph Payet, members of the Diplomatic Corps, lecturers and relatives of the graduates.

Mr Shamlaye reminded each graduate that a graduation ceremony for teachers is more than just a matter of handing out certificates, but a rather more meaningful event.

He said the ceremony is a manifestation of the government’s belief and commitment to empower its workforce and to provide opportunities for professional development and growth.

This, he said, is proof of continued investment in the education system.

He promised continuous support from the ministry in the graduates’ professional development through various forms that it may take.

Mr Shamlaye reassured the graduates and all those present that even if the structure and name of the training institution have changed, the importance of teacher education and training remains paramount.

Addressing the graduates, Mr Souffe described the event as an auspicious moment as it shows the vital role played by the NIE over the last decade in moulding educators who greatly contributed to form the builders of our nation.

He said the NIE has laid the foundations for what has now become the School of Education and everybody involved are proud of the achievements.

He added that with the transformation of the NIE into the School of Education at UniSey, teacher training is taking a new dimension and new opportunities for better professional development are becoming available to teachers in our system.

 “Teachers are central to improving education quality and therefore recognise the necessary importance of better teacher management and support,” he added.

Mr Souffe also reminded the graduates that educational reforms do not produce fruits overnight and that its success depends on the collective duty and global responsibility of everybody.

Regarding this year’s national theme – together, ready for the future – Mr Souffe told the graduates that as teachers, they need to be future thinkers and if they want to better the future, they need to improve the present.

For good professional practice, Pria Henriette received the award for best student at primary education level while Samita Dodin was voted as the best for secondary education.

Elvis Alphonse was best at middle and upper primary while Steve Joseph received the award for the institute’s best male performer.