Graduates from the second cohort of the Seychelles Young Leaders Programme (SYLP), presented President James Michel with a copy of their Action plan 2013-2014 in a special ceremony held at State House, this morning. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries as well as the second cohort of the Seychelles Young Leaders Programme.
Their action plan encapsulates the skills and knowledge they have acquired during the two and half year course. Members of the second cohort gave an account on the different stages during their studies, both the theory and practical work, and thanked the President and the Government of Seychelles for initiating Young Leaders Programme as well as the unwavering support of the tertiary education institutions in general.
A member of the cohort, Ms. Merna Bonnelame gave an overview of the Action plan 2013-2014, based on their promise made to the President that they would 'give back to the Community' and also contribute to the economy and the development of the country.
President Michel saluted the graduates for the Action Plan initiative and expressed his wish that in future other cohorts join and form this body that can become a very powerful force in the development of Seychelles.
“I would like to congratulate the second cohort of the Young Leaders programme for this initiative. It is a very good initiative and it proves that they have taken this programme very seriously, they empowered themselves to be able to contribute more towards their personal development and also towards the development of their country. It is my wish that following this plan of action that they have presented to me, they develop it further and that the other groups of young leaders can join together afterwards and form a very powerful association that can become the academic think-tank for our country which is necessary at this moment in time for young leaders to get together, to think, discuss and find innovative ways of how to bring about positive change in our country,” said President Michel, speaking to the local press after the ceremony.
The President said the4th Cohort of the SYLP, which will concentrate mainly on social studies, considering the different social challengs faced by society. He said that, in view that there is a shortage of young leaders, professionally train to help deal with the different social ills in different Ministries or organizations, the 4th Cohort will be focusing on this domain so that in two years’ time, Seychelles will have another group of professionals who are specialized in social work, which will help to maintain the balance of the country as it develops economically.
The President emphasized of empowerment of the youth in this programme, so that they can lead the future development of the country.
“If you believe in the future, you need to believe in your youth and this is my vision and I will continue to work and empower our youths so that Seychelles go way forward in its development. I call upon all the youths to take up the opportunities that the country as put at their disposal, make the most of it for their own good and for their country ,” emphasized President Michel.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Professor Rolph Payet, highlighted the importance of President’s further instruction and explained that a specialize study in that field will help to address the weaknesses that was pointed out in the Social Renaissance programme. He said that the University is working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development and Sports as well as the Ministry of Education and others.
“We are currently discussing the course outline with the National University of Ireland and we intend to launch a programme named a ‘Masters in Leadership in Social work’, it will consist of different modules and specific phases of studies which will different skills to people in different sectors and working in the social field The course will not be restricted to only social workers but also those in police force, education and others,” explained Professor Payet.
The Minister for Community Development and Social Affairs, Minister Vincent Meriton explained that this forms part of the Social Renaissance Plan of Action in order to reinforce the capacity of all institutions in service delivery both Government and in private sector, NGO’s and in the different churches.
Editor’s notes:
• Present at the ceremony was the Minister for Community Development and Social Affairs, Mr. Vincent Meriton , Minister for Labour and Human Resources Development , Ms. Idith Alexander, the Pro Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Professor Rolph Payet, Vice Chancellor, Mrs. Marina Confait, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Ms. Lucy Athanasius.
• The SYLP Action Plan includes the visions; to develop young leaders through effective leadership training programmes, that empower and equip participants to conquer the challenges facing private organisations and the public sector of tomorrow as their goals includes to develop a core group of young leaders, to develop updated relationships of leadership in training relevant to Seychelles need as well as globally, to create a circle of mentors for younger generation, to create international linkages with young leadership organisations, to develop local capacity, develop the community and the country.