178 graduate from business studies and visual arts schools |11 April 2015

• Havilah Belle and Ahmed Essack clinch President’s Cup

Havilah Belle of the SBSA and Ahmed Essack of the SVA accepting the President’s Cup from President Michel

A total of 178 students have graduated after successfully completing seven programmes offered by the School of Business Studies and Accounting (SBSA) and the School of Visual Arts (SVA) at Advanced Certificate and Diploma Levels.

Most graduates were from the SBSA with 118 students while the SVA had 60.
Havilah Belle of the SBSA and Ahmed Essack of the SVA won the President’s Cup in their respective school for their outstanding performance in both their studies and extra curricular activities.

They were rewarded during the schools’ 2014 combined graduation ceremony held yesterday at the University of Seychelles’ theatre at Anse Royale.

They received their cup and a laptop from President James Michel. Also included in their prizes were a cash prize from Vice-President Danny Faure, and a scholarship from the Agency for the National Human Resource Development (ANHRD).

Also present at the ceremony were the Minister for Education Macsuzy Mondon, other ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre and other distinguished guests.

Other best performers also received prizes. From the SVA, Saroja Juliette won the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) Most Improved Student award; Angela Hoareau the Special Award for International Art Contest for her participation in World Ocean Day; Christian Toussaint, the best performer in Advanced Certificate level for Fine Art; Ahmed Essack, the best performer in Advanced Certificate for Graphic Design; Lisa Robert, the best performer in Advanced Certificate level for Textile; Valentina Reginald, best performer in Advanced Certificate level in Fashion; Ga λl Spalt won both outstanding performer for A-Level GCE Cambridge Art Exam and outstanding performer for Diploma Art & Design. They received their prizes from Minister Mondon and the director of the SVA, Christine Payet.

From the SBSA, Audrey Julie won the most improved student award; Ketty Elizabeth best effort in Office Management and Administration; Michaela Monnaie best effort in Business Studies and Accounting; Sheryl Alvis outstanding performer in Office Management and Administration; Solana Bibi outstanding performer in Business and Accounting; Flavia Capricieuse City & Guilds Shield; Rhyad Moosa AAT Shield.

They also received their prizes from Minister Mondon, SNYC deputy chief executive Alvin Laurence and the director of SBSA Josianne Bristol.

Addressing the graduates, Mrs Payet said the graduates’ achievement is testimony to hard work and passion in the pursuit of their goals.

In line with the Ministry of Education’s medium-term strategic plan for 2013- 2017, the SVA has introduced two new programmes at certificate level to promote a more inclusive approach to learning and increase the number of pathways for learners to reach the school. The certificate programme makes provision for students at secondary level who have not had access to IGCSE but have an aptitude for the visual art.

As a means of diversifying its services on offer, the SVA will also introduce new service training in soft furnishing and creativity levels to candidates wishing to upgrade existing skills. The aim is for graduates to be pioneers and innovators in the cultural development of Seychelles through their creativity.

“It is through their creativity and passion that they will show that they really ‘Love Seychelles’, ‘Kontan Sesel’,” Ms Chetty said.

Referring to the SBSA which has this year seen an upswing in students’ results in both local and international exams, Mrs Payet said students who have started AAT Certificate level 2 and 3 and City & Guilds exams at level 1 and 2 have had exceptionally good results. And they are to be commended for this.

“As a result of the improvement the school has also been proactive in strengthening its relationship with government and private businesses and this has led to better opportunity for students to undertake the required workplace experience module which provide them with the necessary practical skills to complement their training,” she said.

The event ended with a vote of thanks from a graduate and a song from all of them.