NIHSS opens doors to visitors, launches website |17 September 2016
Large groups of secondary students from around the country, parents and other guests converged on the National Institute for Health and Social Studies at North East Point yesterday morning for its annual open day during which it also launched its website.
Health Minister Mitcy Larue launched the website in the presence of principal secretary Bernard Valentin, other key officials from the health ministry, among other guests.
Currently the institute has over 140 students following numerous courses such as diploma in medicine, environmental health sciences, biomedical laboratory sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social work and dental hygiene.
Other programmes being offered are advanced certificate in oral health care, advanced diploma in midwifery and diploma in child health.
During the open day yesterday students following the different courses demonstrated their competencies in both theory and practical aspects of their respective areas of study for their parents, the large groups of secondary students as well as other guests who were eager to know what goes on at the institute.
The National Institute for Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) students and staff also put up a large exhibition displaying and showcasing the institute’s numerous achievements and all the work that goes on there.
Dean Figaro, an S3 student from Anse Royale, is aspiring to become a forensic pathologist and he was fascinated by everything taking place at the institute.
“I am really interested in all the demonstrations by the students here and I believe they are very informative and will help me in making my career choices,” he said.
For Dorea Madeleine, S4 student from Plaisance who is still finding it difficult to choose between studying to be an accountant or a paediatrician, the visit at the institute yesterday was necessary.
“I am really gathering some very interesting facts about the different courses here and what I have learnt and seen are all very interesting and will help me a lot,” she said.
“We have many successes here and today is an opportunity for us to share and celebrate them with you all,” Maryline Lucas told everyone gathered for the occasion.
Mrs Lucas noted that the NIHSS, like all institutions, also has its share of challenges but as its motto states these are always turned into opportunities.
The launch of the website, Mrs Lucas said, is part of the NIHSS’ continued effort to remain relevant, connected with the world and our people as well as to be up to date with developments in the area of training.
The website which can be accessed at www.nihss.gov.sc will be fully operational as from next week.
“Other than showing the world what we do, the website will give the NIHSS the credibility it deserves. We want to be more visible,” Mrs Lucas stressed.
She further pointed out that over the years the NIHSS has embarked on different collaborations, cooperation projects and learning programmes with different institutions and universities worldwide and the website will be a big boost to online learning for students as well as staff of the institute.
As the NIHSS is embarking on what she described as a ‘robust’ marketing strategy to attract potential candidates to enroll on its courses, Mrs Lucas said the website where all the numerous courses and their requirements will be posted will no doubt be a strong and powerful marketing and recruitment tool.
The accompanying photographs show highlights of the open day at the NIHSS yesterday.
