SITE entices students to take up teaching career By Patrick Joubert |05 October 2023
Mrs Lespoir and Dr Hirani signing the MoU
In a bid to attract secondary students to the teaching profession, the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (SITE) yesterday organised an open day full of activities at its headquarters in Mont Fleuri.
Mahé students, mainly from secondary four and five, were exposed to daily activities that take place at the institute, through various presentations, exhibition and classroom engagements by SITE learners.
The open day is part of activities for Teachers’ Week, held under the theme, ‘The Transformation of Education begins with Teachers’.
It included presentations by four primary and three secondary learners who shared what they have learned during the three terms, across different subjects ranging from ‘Kreol Lansennyman Lektir’ to ‘English teaching grammar in context’, French: ‘Enseignement de Grammaire’ to teaching of poetry and Geography in relation to GIS in lesson planning.
When officially opening the one-day exhibition, SITE’s acting director, Mavis Lespoir, said although this years’ theme to celebrate Teachers’ Week is ‘The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage’, SITE felt it fitting to use last year’s Teachers’ Week theme: ‘Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’, which resonates deeply with the core of their profession.
“It is a powerful reminder that we, as educators, hold the key to shaping the future of our nation. The impact we make in the classroom today will ripple through generations, molding the thinkers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
Citing the learners’ presentations, she stated that the subjects celebrate Seychelles’ rich culture and language, ensuring that the students not only understand their roots but take pride in them, emphasises the practical application of language skills, equipping learners with the tools they need to communicate effectively in the globalised world, as well as nurture creativity and self-expression.
“As we delve into these projects and witness the passion and dedication of our future teachers, let us remember that education is a transformative force. It shapes not only the minds but also the character of our students. Every lesson, every interaction, every moment we spend in the classroom has the potential to change lives,” said Mrs Lespoir, who urged the younger generation to join the teaching profession and help shape the country’s future.
During the opening ceremony in the institute’s auditorium, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed by SITE and Shreeji Group of Companies to provide a corporate package for learners and staff of the institution, so they could benefit from the services and products offered by the various businesses under Shreeji group.
These include medical health services and pharmaceutical products, home appliances and hardware, products sold in the supermarket, service in restaurant and tours and travel, among others.
The MoU was signed by Mrs Lespoir on behalf of SITE and Dr Kalpesh Hirani on behalf of Shreeji Group of Companies. It is a way to entice students to join SITE for a teaching career and Mrs Lespoir thanked Shreeji Group of Companies on behalf of SITE.
For his part, Dr Hirani said “This MoU will help SITE learners and teachers to get exclusive benefits for all these facilities. I hope it will motivate and attract more young people to register for a teaching career with SITE.”
Other than the various displays in classrooms, the learners and teachers had the opportunity to do medical check-ups and learn about the herbal medicine provided by Shreeji outlet, Kalpani Clinic and Sawa Pharmacy respectively.
Telecom company Airtel Seychelles and electronics company Techmart were also present to showcase the services they offer.
Mikaelle Joubert, an S4 student from Pointe Larue school who aspires to be a teacher, said she was glad to have made it to SITE yesterday.
“I am glad that I came down here to visit SITE. I have learned a lot of things, especially with regard to how to become a teacher, what they do to become qualified teacher and the things that I will have to do here if I want to become a teacher. It has been very interesting and a great experience for me. I enjoyed it,” she said.
Mrs Lepoir said secondary students from Praslin and La Digue were supposed to attend the open day but did not make it due to logistic reasons beyond their control.
The open day ended with a cultural performance in the afternoon by the learners and staff.
