2013-2014 graduates ceremony - Graduates urged to give their best |10 October 2014

The 279 students who have completed their studies between August 2013 and September 2014 have been urged to remain cognizant of the need to put in all the effort to deliver to their maximum for the benefit of their organisation, themselves and their country.

The Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development Idith Alexander made the appeal during the graduates ceremony 2013-2014 held yesterday at the University of Seychelles’ auditorium.

Three of the graduates studied locally by distance, 150 studied with the University of Seychelles while 126 studied overseas. Fifty-nine graduated at masters’ level; 212 at bachelor’s level, one at diploma level and seven at post graduate certificate level.

Present at the ceremony yesterday were President James Michel; Vice-President Danny Faure; ministers Macsuzy Mondon and Christian Lionnet; acting Chief Justice Durai Karunakaran; the ambassador of Sri Lanka to Seychelles Rajatha Piyatissa and members of the National Assembly, ANHRD and University of Seychelles officials.

The ceremony’s core aim is to honour Seychellois professionals who have completed their university education during the year. Leading up to the ceremony the graduates had had the opportunity to take part in a meeting where they were presented with information relevant to their assimilation in the world of work.
The meeting allowed them to begin a dialogue with government representatives on issues that affect their work and general wellbeing.

In a message published in the small commemorative booklet for the occasion, President Michel congratulated and wished the graduates further success.
He said the graduation is the culmination of and reward for their hard work and study and that day was a milestone in their lives.

He urged them to grasp the many opportunities that life has to offer and make the most of them.
“The future is yours! Your family and your country count on you to make right choices in life – choices that will reward you for the sacrifices you have endured, and choices that will contribute to the further wellbeing of Seychelles,” writes the president, adding that Seychelles needs all its young men and women of goodwill to create a better future.

“I trust in your commitment and resilience to be leaders, driving the country forward while remaining mindful of those in need of your support and assistance,” said President Michel.

While stressing the importance of education as the basis of efficient and effective performance, Minister Alexander also emphasised that the right attitude to self and to work and the growth of innovation, adaptability and pro activity are all important towards the goal of social and economic development for the country and its people.

She also laid emphasis on productivity which is an important point on her ministry’s agenda.
“As new graduates entering the labour market, I urge you to remain cognizant of the need to put in all the effort to deliver to your maximum for the benefit of your organisation, yourself and your country. You stand today on the summit of your academic achievement. For this, on behalf of the government of Seychelles, I commend you,” she told the graduates.

She added as the economy is growing and labour demand is increasing, the contribution of trained professionals in further achieving national development is of utmost important.

Referring to challenges graduates face as they enter the world of work, Minister Alexander said her ministry has through the ANHRD put in place systems to support them and this include system for recording their achievements and following their professional progress.

“But my appeal to you is to make use of every opportunity that comes your way,” she urged them while noting that their diligence, motivation, right attitude and perseverance will make the difference between failure and success.

The chief executive of the ANHRD Margaret Pillay informed the graduates that in an attempt to ensure they remain driven to their own and country’s success, the agency will next year launch a mentoring programme for new graduates that will spearhead the management of their talent.

She also spoke on new measures her agency has taken or is in the process of doing to introduce new measures to implement government policies on human resource development geared at meeting needs of the country.

“As we continue to support your growth, we look forward to your continued investment of time and effort to your work, your family and your community,” said Mrs Pillay.

Thirteen students received special mention during the ceremony where they received their tokens from both Minister Alexander and Minister Macsuzy Mondon.
Two other graduates, Barbara Micock and Trevor Pool, received the Graduates’ Information Booklet from Mrs Pillay. The booklet contains information to help and guide the graduates in issues they may have and on what ANHRD has to offer. In a vote of thanks on behalf of all graduates, Elaine Lafortune, English teacher at Belonie secondary who has a BA in English from both University of Seychelles and University of London, expressed her appreciation for the day which she described as an occasion when all their hard work, dedication and sacrifices are recognised. She expressed her deep and heartfelt gratitude to President Michel and the government of Seychelles for their unwavering support for tertiary education in general.

“Like every journey through life there are those who seldom miss an opportunity to lend a helping hand. That is why, as we open this new chapter in our lives, it is truly significant for us to show gratitude to everyone who has helped us along the way: our families, who have persistently loved and supported us, our colleagues who have made learning pleasurable and our lecturers who have dedicated their lives to making learning stress-free,” said Ms Lafortune.
Prishilla Ladouceur then interpreted a song ‘One Moment in Time’ originally sung by Whitney Houston.