Follow us on:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

UniSey to start civic education |20 September 2011

UniSey to start civic education

Dr Payet addressing guests at the launch of UniSey’s new academic year

The university will also help the education department to improve the standard of English language teaching in our primary and secondary schools.

Speaking at the official opening of Unisey’s academic year 2011-2012 yesterday at the university’s theatre at Anse Royale, vice-chancellor and president Dr Rolph Payet said that this civic education course will not only help students to be active in society but also to consolidate family and societal values.

Present at the ceremony were President James Michel, who is also the university’s chancellor, Vice-President Danny Faure and other senior government officials as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

The university’s Registrar Michel Denousse and chairman of the student’s union Magalie Ernesta were also there.
Dr Payet said the course will also build students’ resilience in tackling issues such as drugs and alcohol abuse and stimulate discussion on democracy, spirituality and ethics.

He added that UniSey will also be launching a Diploma in youth studies, in partnership with the University of South Africa.

”If we are to have success in having a ‘Social Renaissance’ in Seychelles, we need to find ways to empower our young people,” Dr Payet said.

The university is still discussing on how this course will be included in their curriculum but this will be done soon, he said.

Talking about the new initiative to upgrade English at national level, he said many university students do not have a good level of English and they have to take additional courses to improve their standard.

“Unisey will train teachers in English at degree level and this course is to start this month.”

And the university is organising a series of English upgrading courses for our existing teachers in public schools.

He added that apart from this national programme, the university will also launch its first English Language undergraduate degree programme this year.

Dr Payet said other courses will also be introduced such as the development of our very own undergraduate programme in environmental science.

“This degree will be developed using the latest academic input combined with local content and important hands-on exposure to those environment issues.”

Dr Payet also wished the 49 freshmen success in their studies.

Ms Ernesta welcomed the freshers to the university and told them that the mission of the union is to bring the best of student life to all students by the students themselves.

“As a recommendation of our constitution, this year the Student Union will have its first ever election for the Students’ Council.”

During the ceremony there were prayers and blessings by Catholic and Anglican bishops Denis Wiehe and James Wong.

There was also a tribute to the university’s past lecturer Daniel Adrienne, who passed away earlier this year.
The UniSey’s anthem was also sung by the National Choir.

» Back to Archive