Seychelles Institute of Art and Design graduation ceremony Kelly Barbe best overall performer |07 April 2018
Kelly Barbe, who followed a diploma course in textiles, emerged as the most outstanding student and won the President’s Cup at the 2017 Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD) graduation ceremony held at the Anse Royale auditorium yesterday afternoon.
Kelly was among 61 students who successfully completed full-time programmes in their specialisation courses offered by the institution at either certificate, advanced certificate or diploma level.
The courses were in drawing and painting, sewing and textiles, fine art, fashion and graphic design.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of various best performer awards and certificates, ANHRD scholarship, the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) award for most improved performer and the President’s Cup for the most outstanding student.
Other best performers were Leroy Jeanne (certificate in drawing and painting), Kathrina Morel (certificate in sewing and textiles), Nathy Radegonde (advanced certificate in fine art), Dedrey Marie-Paule Marie (advanced certificate in graphic design), Hellenie Lin (advanced certificate in fashion), Mary-Vine Pierre (diploma in art & design), Shahid Burka (best A-level candidate) and Brendan Laurence (best improved performer).
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Vincent Meriton, the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Joel Morgan, the Minister for Employment, Immigration and Employment Miriam Telemaque, members of the diplomatic corps, SIAD board members and parents.
Addressing the audience, SIAD director Christine Chetty said the institute recorded a 100% pass rate for the international Cambridge GCE A level art & design examination in 2017.
“Tertiary education and training is increasingly influenced by the labour market and global trends. As such, we remain cognisant of the ways in which the institute responds to these challenges, hence the institute strives to continue offering high quality training programmes in a conducive learning environment to empower students to embark on a fulfilling career in this rather fast evolving technological world,” said Ms Chetty.
Referring to the 2017-2019 strategic plan for SIAD, she described it as another milestone in 2017 as it provides a roadmap for strategic directions to enable the institute to function in a more transparent and efficient manner in the new landscape where all educational institutions have been given full administrative and financial autonomy.
In her message to the graduates, Ms Chetty told them to continue believing in themselves so that they may reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.
“Strive for excellence in every task, large or small and be ready to face the challenges you will encounter with your head held high,” she advised them.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, the outstanding student Kelly Barbe, said:
“I began my studies at SIAD in the first year following advance certificate in textiles. I received a prize during last year’s graduation ceremony. Now I’ve followed my diploma course. I was not expecting this prestigious prize even if my fellow students told me so. Until now I still can’t digest it.”
Kelly, who lives at Glacis, currently teaches textiles at Plaisance primary school and intends to set up her own business in future.
