President Michel addressing the students

He was speaking to students during his visit to the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) at Providence, accompanied by Education, Employment and Human Resources Minister Macsuzy Mondon.

He also met staff and presented five computers with printers and other accessories to the institute – this donation was paid for out of the Children’s Fund.

Also present were principal secretary for education Merida Delcy and for presidential affairs Lise Bastienne.

Presidential affairs director-general Sebastien Pillay and SIT director Jean Rassool were also there.

Answering questions from students, Mr Michel said scholarships are today offered not only to Seychellois students taking academic courses but also to technical students.

“Our country need engineers and other professionals to take over from foreigners and to replace retired people in these professions,” he added.

After diploma level, students who have met the necessary requirements can go to university, he said.
There are already three students in Bolton, United Kingdom, studying telecommunications, electronics and motor vehicle engineering, Mr Michel added.

There are also two students who have been studying civil and mechanical engineering. They are now back in the country and are expected to start teaching at the SIT very soon.

At the meeting other concerns were brought to the attention of the President, such as the issue of allowances.

Mr Michel said to resolve the delays in allowances he has already consulted the Education Department.

“S5 students have to fill in the necessary forms early during the year so that all procedures can be followed, and then they can get their allowances when they start post-secondary courses,” he said.

He added that they are also looking into the possibility of introducing a special allowance for students coming from Praslin and La Digue.

President Michel observing some students at work

Among other concerns put forward by students were the need for more books in their library and the shortage of lecturers and tools. There is also a need for more computers and faster internet, a bus shelter at Providence and more recreational activities for the SIT students, they said.

Mr Michel said there is a grant from the Abu Dhabi government to sponsor the e-learning project, which will start next year. Information technology is vital in today’s world, and the first such project will start in primary schools and later move on to secondary and post-secondary level.

The President said there are many issues that the SIT’s students’ welfare committee can look into, and the management also has to meet students and let them express their concerns and opinions.

He said the United Nations has proclaimed the year starting from August 12 as International Year of Youth, under the theme: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. And International Youth Day was celebrated yesterday under the same theme.

Mr Michel congratulated the SIT managers for their good work and said the young people at the school are serious and well disciplined. He told them that all professions have their importance, and the country needs them.

After the donation, student Damien Berlouis thanked Mr Michel for the computers on behalf of the school.

The SIT was officially opened on June 9, 2006 and offers apprenticeship programmes and courses at certificate, diploma and advanced levels.

There are 614 students, who are doing one of the following courses – painting, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, telecommunications and motor vehicle engineering.

During his visit Mr Michel had the opportunity to observe some of the students at work.