Airtel-Better Life Award - Outstanding students receive tablet and free internet for a year |27 October 2016
Fifteen secondary students have been recognised and awarded for their outstanding performance and behaviour in their respective schools.
This was through an award ceremony, which will be done on an annual basis, organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Airtel and Better Life Foundation.
The Airtel-Better Life Award was launched in all secondary schools earlier this year, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the foundation, telecommunication company and the ministry.
The award was presented in three categories – first, second and third place – and each awardee received a certificate, a tablet and free internet for a whole year.
In first place the five students were Samuel Micock, Luciano Roseline and Daniel Cecile (all from Belonie secondary), Ian Rose (English River) and Shamira Pillay (Mont Fleuri).
In second position the winners were Misael Bristol, Sophie Ng, Joanne Laurette (all from Mont Fleuri secondary), Tracy Gilbert (Belonie) and Allisen Savy (English River).
Anil Brutus (Pointe Larue), Isaac Jean-Louis (Beau Vallon), Sophie Barreau (Belonie), Catherine Laporte (Anse Royale) and Brigitte Cave (Mont Fleuri) came out in third position.
These students have contributed significantly towards promoting good values and a healthy lifestyle in their respective school.
The schools were provided with a set of criteria to use in their evaluation of the students which were to show respect for themselves and for others, being trustworthy and responsible.
The student must be caring and have a good sense of patriotism, promote collegiality, demonstrate leadership potential and also value the classroom, the school and the community.
Present during the award was the principal secretary (PS) for early childhood, primary and secondary education Merida Delcy, PS for tertiary education, policy planning and administration Dr Linda Barallon, Airtel managing director Amadou Dina, Better Life Foundation chairman Marco Francis.
During her opening remarks PS Delcy said the intention of the award is to recognise the good performance of three students from each level in state secondary.
“With the complexities and pressures of the 21st century it is important more than ever that our young people build these values to become responsible and resilient citizens. This event is a true example of partnership and collaboration in the upbringing, grooming and moulding of young people,” she said.
She commended the founders of the award for this noble initiative and congratulated the students who have been selected for displaying certain attitudes and aptitudes.
Mr Dina said part of Airtel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) is to give back to the community.
“We have to support you from now because we believe the youth can make change and the price of excellence is in discipline. If you are not disciplined forget the success and excellence,” he said.
Mr Francis said the main objective of the foundation is to strive towards the betterment of the country.
“One of these objectives is to invest in the educational schemes and projects that have a long-term positive impact on the society and what a better way to do that than to celebrate the accomplishments of those who understand that achievement is only a measure of hard work,” he said.
A very pleasant and helpful student, Ian Rose was described by his English teacher as 3 Rs- responsible, reliable and resilient.
“Support from his parents and management of the school has made me devoted towards my studies,” he said.
He wants to obtain a career in the Seychelles Police as a CID officer since most members of the family work in the force and people see the potential in him to make it as a police officer.
The only girl to come out in first place, Shamira Pillay, is seen as an exemplary and enthusiastic student of high academic performance.
She said she works very hard at school and is very active in activities hosted by her school.
“I make sacrifices, I study hard and sleep late, turn to my teachers for advice and my parents are also there to support me,” she said.