The first group of students who have just completed a four-year hotel management course at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) will leave the country soon for further studies in Ireland.

 

They received their tickets and travel documents from chief executive of the National Human Resources Development Council (NHRDC) Christian Cafrine during a ceremony on Friday at the La Misère academy.

Attending the event were secretary of state Barry Faure, who is also the chairman of Seychelles Tourism Board, principal of STA Flavien Joubert, staff and other partners of the academy.

The 15 students will be following a one-year course at the Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland.

Addressing those at the event, Mr Cafrine said such an achievement is a remarkable milestone that crowns the effort and perseverance of both the STA students and staff over the last few years.

“The best is yet to come because we need the degrees and this is why we have overcome numerous hurdles to ensure that the students go to Shannon College,” he said.

Mr Cafrine added that the degree in hospitality management is a heavy investment in a very promising venture for Seychelles.

“The country is determined to see more Seychellois take up careers in the hospitality industry, in order to help localise more senior management positions,” he said.

For this first cohort of hotel management students, the government is making an investment of around R750,000 per student for the three years at STA and one year at the Shannon College, making it a total of around R11.3m for the whole group.

He called on them to ride the wave of success that Seychelles has been experiencing, to remain focused and to be disciplined at all times in order to achieve their goal.

Mr Joubert called on the students to make themselves, their families and Seychelles proud by continuing the good work in Ireland.

During the ceremony, the academy also launched its website www.seychellestourismacademy.edu.sc and those present were introduced to its features, which include the mission and vision of the STA, its academic calendar, history, organisational structure, facilities and vacancies.

Others include details about the courses offered at the academy, partners of STA, information about Seychelles and the academy’s contacts.

Forrás: www.nation.sc