UniSey needs at least R40m to implement its programme     • Invites businesses to invest in the institution   |15 July 2022

The vice-chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Joelle Perreau, has said the institution needs a minimum of R40 million immediately to implement its programme and has called on businesses to give them a helping hand in this venture.

Ms Perreau made the statement yesterday afternoon, following a tour of the facility by the Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee of the National Assembly.

The National Assembly delegation, led by the committee’s chairperson, Honourable Wavel Woodcook, visited various areas including the reception, marketing section, the staffroom, as well as the Confucius Institute, a non-profit public institution which promotes Chinese language and culture. They also held talks with members of the faculty.

Vice-chancellor Perreau, who said her team was honoured to welcome the delegation, after initiating talks earlier this year, described the meeting as a positive one and said it was an indication that they had a partner in the National Assembly.

“This visit is good for us as we see all partners as a welcoming support, and clearly when the NA comes to visit us it means the country is supporting us,” said Vice-Chancellor Perreau.

She said it was an opportune time to once again highlight the importance of the UniSey for the whole country, and to get everyone on board for its development and growth.

“When we all understand UniSey’s mission, we will all understand why it needs bigger and better infrastructure that fit our purpose, understand the role we are playing to transform mindset of the people, to help educate the population,” added Ms Perreau.

UniSey receives between R41m and 45m annually from the ANHRD, for its day to day running and last year the institution received a R5m grant from the government to upgrade its equipment.

Ms Perreau says this money is far from what they need to implement their programme and she once again stressed on the need for other partners to come forward to give a helping hand, and invites businesses to support its endowment programme which will be launched in September, to get businesses to invest in training.

“We can operate with what we have but if we want to grow, give more training, conduct more  courses, do more research, have viable infrastructure, at par with other universities abroad, then we need more money,” she added.

For his part Hon. Woodcock said he was impressed with the university’s output despite the limited amount of financial and human resources.

“They are able to break even but this is not enough for what they plan to do at the institution,” said Hon. Woodcook.

He called on every Seychellois to appreciate what the University of Seychelles was contributing towards the country’s development, and also appealed to everyone to play their part to ensure the institution delivers on its mandate.

“We should note that the university is not just for the young people, but a university for all Seychellois, where we also have in-service people making use of this facility. I believe all Seychellois should come forward and help out, maybe by donating grants, sponsoring scholarships, or business could even sponsor their own staff,” said Hon. Woodcock.

Some of the concerns raised during yesterday’s visit was also staffing, limited spaces as well as better infrastructure.

The Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee will now compile a report that will be presented to the National Assembly within a month and Hon. Woodcock said the concerns raised at yesterday’s meeting will be put to the Ministry of Education and other concerned parties for swift actions.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the visit.

Patsy Canaya

Photos by Louis Toussaint