Follow us on:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

Maritime school marks official move to new campus |22 March 2012

Maritime school marks official move to new campus

Minister Mondon addressing the students at yesterday’s ceremony

Held at the new school, the assembly was led by the acting director Brian Hoareau in the presence of the Minister for Education Macsuzy Mondon, her principal secretary Merida Delcy, the coordinator for Education and Development, Jean Alcindor, and lecturers.

Addressing the students, Minister Mondon said it was a pleasure to be speaking to them in their new school.
“You are here, presumably to later follow a career in the maritime sector. But know that working in this sector is not always easy since it can be very demanding. But it can be very rewarding if one is ready to work hard and take one’s studies seriously,” she said.

“Today there are many opportunities in the maritime sector, but the onus is on you to seize these opportunities, make the best of them and go as far as possible. I see no reason why one of you here today cannot become a first officer or captain on one of our tankers one day.”

Mrs Mondon also urged the students to remain in the industry to replace the expatriates with a local workforce as much as possible and that they can even go for advanced studies overseas after they have completed their current courses, then come back to take up much higher posts.

Students’ monthly allowance was also addressed, where the minister told the students to use their monthly stipends wisely, making allusions to a number of reports received on students who use it to buy cigarettes and alcohol, and even party it away.

With over 200 students following courses at the new MTC, Mrs Mondon said she was glad to see the large number of girls at the school and the fact that a girl came out as best student last year, but asked the boys not to get left behind.

Speaking about the MTC as an institution, she said she wanted the school to meet all its challenges and make it one of the best in the region.

“We want to see the MTC be the centre of excellence in the region. By the end of the year the MTC is due to receive its ISO certificate to be recognised internationally,” she said.

“We are also looking into the possibility of getting the MTC a boat, to be used for training purposes,” she said, adding that funding for it is almost secured.

She ended by asking the students to reflect on this year’s national theme – Striving for our Seychelles -- and to act on it.
Mr Hoareau also used the event to formally introduce three new members of staff, who he said would make his team stronger and “practically complete”, adding that they also have part-time lecturers coming in from partner government departments such as the Seychelles Fishing Authority.

» Back to Archive