Seychelles Defence Academy celebrates silver jubilee (1990-2015) |29 May 2015

Twenty-five long years have elapsed since the inauguration of Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA). It was on June 2, 1990 that the then Commander-In-Chief, President France Albert Rene officially opened what was to become the premier training institution for the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF).

To cater for the rapid expansion and professionalisation of its small but dynamic force, the SPDF embarked on an ambitious project to offer high-level and adapted training for its different cadres, closer to home. Guided by professional experience and studies carried out, it was concluded that there was a need and added advantage to train officers and service personnel locally, in an environment which is more conducive and familiar for both the officers and men. The SPDF command under the leadership of the then Chief of Staff, the current President and Commander-In-Chief, James Michel, with the help and professional advice of the Indian Army, worked tirelessly to ensure the realisation of what was to become the Seychelles Defence Academy.

With its strategic location close to the International Airport, South East Island was chosen as the ideal location for the academy, whose detachment could also provide added security for the airport.

In late 1980s South East Island hosted the training for a first group of officer cadets on its grounds, this eventually led to the construction of the academy in 1989. The creation of a local Defence Academy was to add another important chapter in the history of the SPDF, whereby professional training could be delivered to its personnel locally.

‘Service Before Self’

Driven by its motto ‘Service Before Self’, the SDA was established primarily as an establishment to train officer cadets, but the institution has throughout the years expanded and evolved. With its aim to train and equip SPDF officers and servicemen with required knowledge and skills so as to effectively fit and operate within the service pattern of the SPDF; the SDA has since its creation seen the graduation of four officer cadet cohorts, including those under the Military Young Officers programme (MYOP) launched by President Michel in March 2010.  The first officer cadet intake graduated on November 25, 1990. Since then, the institution has flourished and three former officer cadets from the first intake have moved on to become Commandant of the Academy. Graduates of the academy have not only risen to occupy senior positions in the SPDF, but features prominently in public and private sectors as well.

Under the efficient management of local officers and a competent mix of experienced military and civilian staff, the SDA continually offers leadership, operational and tactical courses for both officers and ranks of the SPDF as well as other security entities in the country. Training conducted at the SDA varies from basic recruit training for personnel joining the force to; leadership development, promotion and technical courses for non-commissioned officers, up to courses for officers cadets as well as commissioned officers.

Instructors at the academy include both military as well as civilian lecturers depending on the curriculum and type of training being conducted. The academy has been very flexible and adaptive to: development in modern technology, the dynamics of today’s rapidly evolving security sector, threat perceptions, as well as important aspects of human rights and other contemporary issues and challenges. Building on training, attachments and other exposures received by its personnel in overseas military institutions, the academy is always striving to impart the best.

Support towards youth programmes

Aspects of information technology (IT) are well embedded in all the different programmes, with the facilities upgraded to accommodate use of IT. Besides purely military-oriented subjects, the SDA is also offering subjects that address current social issues such as substance and alcohol abuse, health and safety, as well as general civic education. The academy is well equipped with numerous facilities, such as sleeping quarters, classrooms, libraries, gymnasium, computer labs, and a museum, to document the history of the organisation.

In 1999, the management of the national brass band was transferred from the Ministry of Education (Culture Division) to the SPDF. Since then, the academy has embarked on a new programme to accommodate the training of the SPDF Brass Band on a full-time basis. Being formal employees of the SPDF, members of the brass band have their own facilities and qualified instructors, whereby both theoretical and practical music trainings are imparted from 8am to 4pm during working days. They have the opportunity to sit for international exams and are groomed to play various musical instruments. This programme not only presents an employment opportunity for Seychellois youths, but an ideal alternative for those wanting to develop in the musical field. Enrolment to this programme warrants no specific skills, except for love and devotion to music. The SPDF brass band performs at military functions and on other occasions, as well as at national events such as the National Day parade.

The national brass band

Cognisant of its social and civic responsibilities, the SDA has always been forthcoming in continually supporting programmes and initiatives of ministries or other organisations, geared towards development of the youths of Seychelles. Such initiatives are manifested through short training, visits and various other interactions hosted for school clubs and other groupings, especially during school holidays. Recently, the SDA has partnered with the Ministry of Education to host an alternative education programme for students with behavioural issues. Instead of going to their respective schools, the students attend classes at the SDA and follow a programme formulated by the ministry, with necessary support and inputs from the academy.

With current developments and planned expansion of the international airport, the SDA is planning to move to an alternative location at Ile Perseverance, where new facilities have already been constructed. The new and ultra modern facilities at Ile Perseverance are viewed as one of the best in the region.
As the academy celebrates its silver jubilee, it is positioning itself to become a centre of excellence for the region, where training can be undertaken for regional forces such as member states of the Eastern African Standby Forces (EASF). To date, such endeavour is well underway as various courses for both local and combined training with other partner nations regularly takes place at this new facility.

The new facility at Ile Perseverance is well adapted for such high-level training as it is equipped with adequate number of classrooms, computer labs as well as a large auditorium. Berthing facilities recently constructed is one of the several additional facilities being added to eventually ease the complete transfer from South East Island to the new location at Ile Perseverance.