University of Seychelles – a national pride
19.09.2009
We now have a university of our own, thanks to the vision of our President, James Michel.
In his National Day Speech in 2007, Mr Michel spoke of transforming the way Seychelles works – empowering the districts, giving better service, boosting economic performance and creating a knowledge-based society.
We are moving rapidly towards achieving all these goals.
Having a university in Seychelles is a necessary ingredient for achieving these targets because we need the right human capacity to do it.
The 55 young people seen in our picture, together with the university’s vice-chancellor and some of its officials, are the lucky ones to be the very first students.
When the university was established on Thursday, they said they are happy to study right here at home.
We are glad that they will be among us as they study in the friendly environment they know, and that more of them now have the chance to get a university education.
Indeed the University of Seychelles is a national pride and shows how rapidly we are evolving.
We supported its launch with one voice, and it is opportune that it has become a reality during the year when we are stressing the need to Come Together as Seychellois.
However, our support for the university must continue and now go beyond the institution itself to the students, lecturers and officials.
The students in particular need our understanding.
We who are their friends, parents and kin must be ready to allow them the space and time they need to study.
The hardest part for us is done, but it is only beginning for them. Let us give them our full support, so that we can share their joy and pride when they become the very first cohort to graduate right here.