New boundary wall to beef up security at Anse Boileau secondary school |11 September 2020
An aerial view of the Anse Boileau secondary school showing the newly constructed boundary wall (Photo credit: Anse Boileau school)
A new boundary wall constructed around the Anse Boileau secondary school campus is expected to enhance security at this institution.
In addition, other work carried out at the school will also contribute to a more conducive learning environment. These include an access road to the dining hall, five new gates, levelling of the floor, replacement of windows, doors etc.
The project, which has cost R2.39 million, started in October 2019 and completed in February 2020. The contract for the project was awarded to ALL Weather Builders.
The project was executed under the high impact community development projects phase (HICDP) funded under India’s grant assistance.
It was the high commissioner of India to Seychelles, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, the principal secretary for Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education Dr Odile de Comarmond and the school’s head teacher Gina Labiche who had the honour to unveil the plaque to mark the handover of the finished project.
Present at the ceremony held yesterday were other representatives from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), the Indian high commission, the department of Foreign Affairs, members of the school council, students and teachers.
The project at the school was part of thirty-three projects in the community on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue funded under a R35 million grant from the Indian government.
“All of these noble works are being carried out in Seychelles inspite of all hindrances posed to both the governments of India and Seychelles due to Covid-19. This is the level of commitment and dedication the high commission of India devotes for the community level project assistance for its maritime neighbour and friend, Seychelles,” HC Suhag said in his address.
He noted that the handover of the project coincided with celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of the world epitome of peace and non-violence, Mahatma Ghandi.
He said that Seychelles, as a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), will benefit from cover rooftop solar installations on various government buildings, housing units and even solar streets lighting in various locations in the country, from a US $1 billion credit line for African countries made available by the Indian government.
During the ceremony, HC Suhag gifted 800 washable and re-usable cotton face masks and a set of books on India to the school.
Head teacher Labiche expressed her gratitude to the Indian government for funding the project at the school and noted that the boundary wall in particular will give the school a more welcoming and conducive learning environment.
“The students and staff alike feel more secure inside the school compound ever since the completion of the wall. There is more control over movements of students and visitors inside the school compound. Prior to that, we had cases of intruders and even students leaving the school compound without permission,” head teacher Labiche said, noting that the school is also very thankful for the donation of masks for Covid-19 prevention and books presented.
HC Suhag was presented with a framed aerial picture of the school with the newly constructed boundary wall as token of appreciation from the school. It was S5 student Miguel Malbrook who made the presentation.
In her vote of thanks, student Shadea Docteur thanked the high commissioner for taking interest in the school.
Patrick Joubert
