Seychelles Polytechnic graduation-Students succeed through hard work |09 March 2010

This 25th graduation ceremony for the Polytechnic took place at the Cinema Royale, Anse Royale, last Friday.

It was attended by Vice-President Joseph Belmont, Education Minister Bernard Shamlaye, his principal secretary Jeanne Simeon and opposition leader in the National Assembly Wavel Ramkalawan.

Members of the assembly, Seychelles Polytechnic director Joan Amade, technical and further education director general Fiona Ernesta, lecturers and parents were also there.

Addressing the audience, Mrs Amade said the Polytechnic is celebrating the achievements of this group of students, who have followed courses in fine arts, graphics, textiles and fashion design, secretarial studies, business studies and accounting.

     
Mrs Amade addressing the graduates, parents and guests

“Their journey towards success has not been an easy one because of the challenges that they have faced,” she said.

She said 2009 was a very busy year for Polytechnic staff and students as there were significant changes on the campus and renovation work being carried out.

But this did not disrupt the students’ performances and they proved that they could still perform well, she added.

“We are pleased that through their hard work, their motivation and willingness to succeed, the graduates are now equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to further their intellectual and personal development,” said Mrs Amade.

“As we move on, we need to focus on improved facilities, appropriate resources and a review of our programmes to enable students to better cope with the increasing demands of the world of work.”

She added that the last group of 17 students to enrol on the Manchester Twinning Programme are doing very well in their studies and will be going to Manchester University in the United Kingdom in September this year.

“Students who meet the necessary requirements to follow degree-level courses in business administration, economics, business studies, accounting and finance will have the opportunity to enrol with the University of Seychelles (UniSey),” she said.

Mrs Amade said UniSey has come at an opportune time when the world is facing economic difficulties, and more Seychellois students will be able to benefit from higher education on their doorstep.

She told the graduates that wherever their areas of interest lie, they need to persevere and let challenges become opportunities.

During the ceremony Mr Belmont presented the 2009 President’s Cup to visual arts student Vanessa Marie, who also won the best performer award in textiles – a course she followed for two years.

Along with the cup she received a laptop, a cash prize and a return ticket sponsored by Air Seychelles.
Other outstanding performers from each course were also rewarded.

The Association of Accounting Technicians shield went to Priscilla Cesar; Christel Boudanne received the secretarial award; Andria Moumou won the business studies and accounting award; and the visual arts award went to Trevor Nourrice.

The largest number of graduates this year – 97 – came from the business and secretarial studies courses, while there were 58 who took the visual arts course.