December 13, 2010 -- Sandy Ernesta was the outstanding student out of a group of 65 graduates of the National Institute of Health and Social Studies.

He received the President's Cup and a laptop both sponsored and presented by President James Michel, cash prize, a certificate and a return ticket to Mauritius from Air Seychelles during the graduation ceremony held yesterday at the School of Education.

Other than President Michel, guests at the ceremony included Minister for Education, Employment and Human Resources Macsuzy Mondon, Minister for Health Erna Athanasius, Minister for Investment, Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon, principal secretaries, acting director of the NIHSS Rodney Philo and staff, parents and sponsors.

The courses on offer were at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma levels in social work, nursing, and anaesthesia and critical care nursing. The courses were on a full-time and part-time basis for pre-service as well as in-service candidates.

During the ceremony, best performers were awarded for their hard work. The best performer award for the advanced diploma in anaesthesia and critical care nursing went to Linda Dine.
Sandy Ernesta was also the best performer for the diploma in nursing and Rose-Mary Rachel received the best in practice award.

Lucille Mousbe was awarded for excelling in diploma for social work while the best practice award in the same course went to Solange Robert.

Addressing those present, Mr Philo said the NIHSS has over the years provided training to students in different health fields and despite the challenges, the management and staff are satisfied with the overall performance of the graduates.

"With the support of the government, the Department of Education and all partners, we will continue to provide quality education and strive for excellence," he said.

The institution has introduced an internal academic board from which stems three committees - academic, curriculum development and research and ethics committees.

"In an attempt to provide a more flexible mode of study, we will be introducing exit points, whereby learners after having successfully completed one or two years may exit and come back at their convenience to finish their course," he said.

The NIHSS is also piloting a mentoring programme for all staff with the aim of producing competent and reflective practitioners.

It is the first group of students to be trained and graduate in anaesthesia and critical care locally. As part of their programme, students were given the chance for a one-month overseas placement in Reunion.

Mr Philo called on the graduates to stay up to date with the challenges of the changing societies as the fields of nursing and social work are continuously evolving.

"There will be many challenges and difficult times ahead, but with your newly acquired skills, knowledge and attitudes, I am convinced that you will turn these difficulties into stepping stones," he said.

On behalf of her colleagues Tyra Georges thanked all who have helped them to reach their aim of successfully completing their studies.