President Wavel Ramkalawan accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan were the guest of honour at the 2022 graduation ceremony for students who successfully completed their studies at the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT). The event was held at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) yesterday afternoon.
Ms. Sheena Labonté from the National Diploma in Information Systems Engineering clinched the President’s Cup. Ms. Labonté has demonstrated a positive attitude and was consequently appointed as the class representative by lecturers and fellow colleagues because of her good leadership character. She has managed to balance her time for studies and for other activities and has always been active in activities at school levels, namely, open days, talks, and seminars. Ms. Labonté has also represented her school at both local and international levels.
During the ceremony, 212 students received their certificates, after having completed their respective programmes of study at Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and National Diploma levels. This year, 19 graduates received the Best Performer Awards in their respective programmes.
In his address, the Director of the Seychelles Institute of Technology, Mr. Hubert Barbé, hailed the accomplishments of the graduates and noted that there has been a remarkable improvement in the number of learners who have successfully completed their training. He announced that this year seven students scored distinctions, three on the National Diploma Information Systems Engineering, 2 on the Certificate in Electrical Installation (apprenticeship), and one on the Advanced Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery. Around 100 graduates scored Credit with the remaining with a pass.
“But for SIT, it is not only about achieving the highest pass grade that counts. It is also about knowing that you have managed to secure a decent job and employment soon after completing your training as well. SIT stands committed in working to achieve 2 of 17 UN Sustainable development goals, which as UN SDG 4 and SGD 8, targeting quality education and training, decent work, and economic growth respectively,” said Mr. Barbé.
The Outstanding Performers awards at Certificate and Advanced Certificate levels went to Thyra Victor for the Certificate Programme (Painting and Decorating), and Darryl Louise from the Advanced Certificate Programme (Carpentry and Joinery.
The ceremony was also highlighted with the Minister for Lands and Housing, Mr. Billy Ramgasamy as the Guest Speaker, where he gave words of encouragement for graduates who are taking the next step after their studies.
Other than President Ramkalawan and Mrs. Ramkalawan, other guests at the ceremony included the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Roger Mancienne, the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Errol Fonseka, Minister for Lands and Housing, Mr. Billy Ramgasamy, Minister for Youth, Sports and Family, Mrs. Marie-Céline Zialor, Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Mrs. Devika Vidot, Principal Secretaries, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Ms. Joëlle Perreau, Directors of Education, Members of the National Assembly, Chairperson, and Members of the SIT Governing Board, the graduate’s relatives, and SIT Management and Staff.