More young Seychellois to join maritime sector |27 February 2015
Seychelles’ maritime sector is getting a big boost as 105 young Seychellois graduated after completing different courses at the Maritime Training Centre (MTC) and prepare to join the world of work.
During the graduation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon the students received their certificates and the best performers as well as those who went the extra mile and excelled in other aspects of their training were also rewarded.
The ceremony was attended by President James Michel, Vice-President Danny Faure, several ministers, other high government officials, members of the MTC board of directors, parents among other distinguished guests.
The graduates received certificates and advanced certificates in courses such as navigation and seamanship, marine mechanics, fishing technology and fisheries science. Student also followed courses for a certificate in basic safety at sea.
Apart from Nelson Etienne, a student who followed an advanced certificate course in navigation and seamanship who clinched the Outstanding Student Award (the President’s Cup), overall best performers in other courses were also rewarded.
Dominique Gappy, an apprenticeship student on the certificate in fishing technology course, clinched the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) award for outstanding behaviour.
Joanna Rose was the best overall performer in the advanced certificate in navigation and seamanship course while Jean-Marc Morel was the best in the advanced certificate in marine mechanics course.
For advanced fisheries science and fishing technology course, Shiira Padayachy and Nyara Anacoura were the best performers while Richie Hoareau was the one who clinched that award in the fishing technology certificate apprenticeship course.
Samia Esparon, a graduate from the advanced certificate in navigation and seamanship course, had words of encouragement for her fellow graduates.
She expressed gratitude to the government, MTC lecturers and everyone who have contributed in their success.
When he addressed the graduates and guests prior to the certificate and award presentations, the director of the MTC, Captain S.S. Bangara, said the institution is committed to its mission of providing quality maritime training and professional qualifications in line with international standards for students leading to wider career paths both at local and international level.
“The maritime industry is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors of the modern economy, particularly the Blue economy, providing employment as well as innumerable other opprtunites,” Captain Bangara said.
He added that in order to prosper in this fast moving job market, the MTC students must possess a strong work ethic.
“With a view to meeting the needs of both students and future employers, members of our faculty are constantly refining and lending innovation to their didactic methods,” added Captain Bangara.
Furthermore he said the institution will be introducing some new courses this year and next year as well.
“We have on our own developed a yacht masters course which will start next month and this will be the first time ever that such a course is conducted in either Seychelles or Sri Lanka,” Captain Bangara said.
Among the courses to be conducted next year is the officer cadet training programmes for both deck and engine.
“These will enhance the opportunities for Seychellois youths to be employed on internationally flagged vessels as future officers on board,” Captain Bangara added.
It is to be recalled that it was in August 2013 that the Ministry of Education signed an agreement with the Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College (Cinec) for it to provide leadership and guidance to the MTC. The aim is to transform it into a regional maritime training hub to take in students from neighbouring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Reunion, Comoros, Mayotte and Mauritius.
(In our story on the Outstanding Student Award winner, Nelson Etienne, published in yesterday’s issue, we inadvertently referred to Nelson’s father as Mark Etienne. In fact the father’s name is Frank. Our apologies for the slip).