Equator Institute outlines its goals
Marie-Claude Morel, a member of the newly launched think tank, the Equator Institute, on Friday outlined the aims of the institute during its launch.
“It will also provide a forum for constructive dialogue among professionals and the promotion of professional development in Seychelles,” she said, adding it will bring together Seychellois professionals to better contribute to the economic and social development of Seychelles.
She said it will establish a membership body for Seychellois professionals and organise activities that promote debate, constructive dialogue on important national issues.
“We also hope to publish position papers on matters of policy and other areas important to Seychelles and provide the government with independent input and advice on topical and emerging issues and act as a sounding board for potential government policies and actions,” she said.
Mrs Morel said the Equator Institute will also provide a constructive forum for the exchange of ideas and information between key stakeholders in the policy formulation process.
During the ceremony, President James Michel said it is important to allow the sharing of valuable experiences.
“Many of our professionals have acquired experience that can prove invaluable to the successful development of our country. If I take the example of the teaching profession - I have met so many teachers who have said to me that the best way to learn how to be a teacher is to teach,” he said.
“Through our institute we will foster a blend of innovation and experience to be able to make proposals which are astute and strategic for our country.”
“We must also continue to enhance training and capacity building at all levels through the institute. Our institute is aptly named, for like the equator, the concepts of education and learning have no discernible beginning and no end. Education and Learning create a circle of creativity, knowledge and expertise.”
Mr Michel said the new institute must also complement the work of the newly established university by publishing papers and by creating a new space for intellectual discussion in our country, adding it is up to our professionals to find ways of developing enhanced capacities for research to benefit the country.
“Our university also brings a new dimension of opportunity to professionals of our country - offering an unprecedented access to higher education. These opportunities are further complemented by our young leaders schemes – the first cohort has already completed its course, while we have also extended the programme to the military and the police,” Mr Michel said.