104 graduate in business studies and accounting |24 March 2018
• Hillary Pillay clinches President’s Cup
A total of 104 students have graduated after successfully completing nine programmes offered by the School of Business Studies and Accounting (SBSA) at Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma Levels.
Hillary Pillay was awarded the President’s Cup for her outstanding performance in both her studies and extracurricular activities.
She was presented with the cup by the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Joel Morgan.
Hillary also received a laptop from President Danny Faure, a scholarship from the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD) and prizes from the chairperson of the SBSA Governing Board Oliver Bastienne, Seychelles Commercial Bank, Barclays Bank and Cable & Wireless.
The school’s 2017 graduation ceremony was held yesterday at the University of Seychelles’ theatre at Anse Royale.
This year 43 graduates received diploma in Business Studies and Accounting, 35 diploma in Office Management and Administration, three certificate in Office Administration, two certificate in Business Studies and Accounting, two advanced certificate in Business Studies and Accounting and two advance certificate in Office Management and Administration.
Thirteen graduates also received certificates for having completed the Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) in-service courses at Certificate Level 2 and Diploma Levels 3 and 4 while six graduates received their certificates upon completion of the basic training in QuickBooks Accounting Software.
All full-time graduates received certificates for attaining an extra qualification through the Barclays Ready To Work programme - which is a Pan African flagship initiative.
Twelve prestigious awards were also presented to the SBSA graduates: Tricia Ahmed won the most improved student award from the Seychelles National Youth Council; Jeanne-Yvette Vidot best effort in Office Management and Administration; Shamira Barbier best effort in Business Studies and Accounting; Nicolette Barra outstanding performer AAT Level 2; Lincy Benstrong outstanding performer AAT Level 3; Dyna Arissol AAT level 4; Shamira Sally outstanding performer in Office Management and Administration; Leah Quatre outstanding performer in Business and Accounting; Shamira Sally City & Guilds Shield; Annie Julius outstanding performer in AAT Shield and the governing board award went to Stephane Labrosse.
Addressing the graduates, the SBSA director Josianne Bristol said success comes from hard work, perseverance, dedication and definitely from working together pushing for the same goals.
“We have done our best to nurture you to fulfil your potentials. Frome here onwards, it is up to you to push forward for greater achievements. I know that life at SBSA has not been a garden of roses. But the challenges you have faced will only serve to make you stronger, to make you more equipped to face the bigger challenges yet to come,” she said.
She also noted that SBSA believes in the all-round development of its learners.
“That is why we encourage, support and applaud their participation in various extra-curricular activities be it sports, cultural or participation in forums and symposiums. With such exposure our learners build strong characters and extra skills that turn them into graduates ready to face the working environment and certainly the environment of higher education,” she said.
She also said the 2017 was another year filled with accomplishments for the academy where the highlight was SBSA receiving official accreditation status from the Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Hillary, who hails from Praslin, expressed how proud she is of herself to have managed to persevere through the three years and come out among the five top students in her field although she was not expecting to be awarded the President’s Cup.
“Studies is the most important thing in your life,” she advises the youth. “Put your education above everything.”
She plans to pursue further education in hospitality management as she has already applied for a scholarship to study in Mauritius.
Shamira, who clinched two awards and is the only student who graduated with a distinction, said she is happy to have been able to make her family proud.
“It was not easy at all during the past three years, there were times when I even wanted to quit but with encouragement from my lecturers, parents and God I have succeeded in my endeavour and I am very happy,” she said.
During the ceremony a vote of thanks was read by Elgie Sifflore and Professor Alain Reddy made a reflection.
Also present at the event was the Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, members of the National Assembly, principal secretaries, members of the SBSA governing board, SBSA staff and parents of the graduates.
