NIHSS graduation: Bernadette Payet wins President’s Cup |08 March 2014

Bernadette Payet (see our photo on front page) is the winner of the President’s Cup after graduating with a diploma in social work.

She received her trophy yesterday afternoon during the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) graduation ceremony at the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (ex-NIE) auditorium.

In total, there were 51 graduates in the class 2013.

The ceremony was attended by National Assembly Speaker Dr Patrick Herminie, Health Minister Mitcy Larue, Education Minister Macsuzy Mondon, vice-chancellor of University of Seychelles Denis Hardy, principal secretaries Peggy Vidot (health) and Linda William-Melanie (social affairs), acting director of NIHSS Marylene Lucas, lecturers, graduates and members of their families and other distinguished guests.

After winning the outstanding student award, Mrs Payet said: “Despite being a woman with kids and a home to take care of, I have proven that with determination and perseverance one can achieve anything in life.”

During the three years spent studying at the NIHSS, she has actively taken part in the institute’s social and cultural events.

“For me to win this cup and to be successful in my studies there has been a number of people behind me. I might miss out some if I were to mention their names. But I would like to thank all who have helped and supported me throughout my journey at the NIHSS,” Mrs Payet added.

Among the 51 graduates 28 did diploma in social work and 23 completed a diploma in nursing.

When she addressed the graduates, Mrs Lucas said: “Dear graduates, you need to be up to date with the challenges of our changing society. Our country places great emphasis on continued professional development. Grab the opportunities whenever they are presented. Nelson Mandela said ‘a good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination, but when you add it to a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special’.”

Mrs Lucas, who congratulated the graduates, noted that “graduation is usually thought as a time of completion, of finishing, of an ending; a time of celebration of achievements; but graduation is also a commencement for new graduates. You may think of your certification as the ticket to a good life.”

Other awards were also given out during the ceremony. Esther Odu won the best performer award in diploma in nursing whereas her colleague Lina Denis won that for best in practice. In the diploma in social work it was Louisa Bibi who won the best performer award and Reuben Lavigne took the award for best in practice.