UniSey formalises bond with three partners |15 December 2023
Representatives of the partners and of UniSey in a souvenir photograph after the signing
The University of Seychelles (UniSey) has signed memoranda of understanding with three of its partners – Seychelles Police Force, Seychelles Institute for Art and Design (SIAD) and PillayR Group.
The signing of the three agreements took place yesterday at the UniSey and present at the short ceremony were the Police Commissioner, Ted Barbé; UniSey’s vice-chancellor Joelle Perreau; director of SIAD, Christine Chetty; chief operating officer of PillayR Group, Mahaboob Basha Hakim; and representatives from all four parties.
In his remarks, Commissioner Barbé said this agreement offers the chance to increase the level of educational and training opportunities within the Seychelles Police Force. It particularly meets the objective of the government’s agenda for placing strong emphasis on the quality of public service which is needed on all government bodies, especially in policing.
“This partnership with UniSey will strengthen and expand its ability to offer potential students a truly unique view of modern policing. A great part of this agreement intends to allow for the creation of a Bachelor of Science in policing and justice. Its modules will provide legal education that relates legal knowledge to our social context,” he said.
“The Seychelles Police Force Strategic Plan 2023-2025 values cooperation with all communities and the spirit of working together to reduce criminality. To be able to achieve this we believe in the nurturing of stakeholder collaboration,” he added.
Mr Barbé said the end goal is to remain focused on professionalising the police force, transforming it to the highest level possible while protecting citizens and visitors to Seychelles.
Speaking after the signing, Mrs Chetty said SIAD believes in continuity and it is anticipated that in the near future, new programmes will be developed at degree level for visual arts.
“Gone are the days where we work in silos. We need collaboration if we want to see progress,” she added.
The chairperson of SIAD’s board, Martin Kennedy, said the MoU is a powerful statement of intent which he believes will flourish over the coming years.
Also saying a few words was Mr Hakim who said the company is committed to enhancing local talents, coming from UniSey.
On her part, Ms Perreau reaffirmed the university’s commitment and support to the Police Force and SIAD, and thanked PillayR Group for understanding what UniSey is aiming for.
“We have been convincing organisations and businesses to trust our graduates, to employ them and help them grow professionally, as these individuals do not necessarily have the experience. We salute PillayR Group for trusting our students and helping to give them the work experience required.”
PillayR Group is giving our graduates the chance to be the best they can be with their qualifications after leaving UniSey, she added.
Ms Perreau also thanked the company for thinking of the welfare of the university’s staff members.
“Each agreement signed has its own importance. The Police Force is interested in offering a degree in policing and justice to its staff members, as part of its training plan, and the university is working with the police to get the best training possible,” she added.
In regards to SIAD, Ms Perreau said work is already being done with this institution, through UniSey’s Confucius Institute whereby students are offered courses enabling them to learn the main Chinese language before heading to China to pursue further studies.
“We are now working to develop a degree and other programmes so that the pathway to reach these higher academic levels after completing their studies at SIAD is being done through UniSey.”