President congratulates young graduate on her achievements |10 February 2021

President Ramkalawan during his meeting with Ms Eulentin (Photo: Anel Robert)

President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday met with Merna Euletin, a returning graduate from the University of Montreal who received high honours in her studies.

The meeting took place at State House.

Ms Eulentin recently graduated from the University of Montreal in Canada, where she completed her master’s programme in educational administration where she received distinction, the first Seychellois to receive such honours at the University of Montreal.

She noted it is an award that she is very proud of as it is a very competitive honour that rewards both academic excellence and attendance in meeting the deadlines for submitting dissertations and theses.

“By the grace of God and with the encouragement of parents, colleagues, friends I was able to submit my dissertation before the end of my sixth term of enrolment, which is an exception; and this without sacrificing the rigour of scientific research work and the excellence required when one is the only ambassador of Seychelles in a university which welcomes more than thirty nationalities. I say thank you both to the University of Montreal and to the Seychellois who gave me the energy to pick me up whenever needed,” she said.

“My academic achievements was one of the main reasons President Ramkalawan wanted to meet me as I have made Seychelles proud in my studies,” she added.

Ms Eulentin noted that during the meeting with the head of state they discussed her studies, the benefits and valorisation of the teaching profession, the challenges that teachers face and security of teachers especially in secondary schools and to glorify the profession.

“We have dynamic teachers who want to give the best of themselves. But, there are still challenges, because we are in a globalised system that inspires continuous change. The challenges are real both on issues of equity, social justice and teacher training,” she said.

She noted that her career will remain in education and that she will help in tackling the issues that teachers face as well as help push forward our education system.

“What keeps me hopeful is that our Minister for Education is aware of this and the initiatives he has taken are in the direction of real change and above all qualitative change. He is very attentive to the field and to teachers and this is reassuring because his leadership is mainly focused on an inclusive and collaborative approach. He wants to make changes, with the teachers, and for the development of Seychelles. The feedback from the field and from my fellow teachers is very positive and that reassures me because they know where we want to lead the Seychelles schools. Several are already geared up to jump on the bandwagon. I must also tell you that the Minister for Education is also open to quality partnerships with educational specialists and researchers both nationally and internationally,” Ms Eulentin said.

When asked about what title she will hold in the Ministry of Education, Ms Eulentin informed that it will soon be announced but no matter what job title she has, her duty will be working for the betterment of teachers and students in the country.

Ms Eulentin has dedicated her high honours to her teacher colleagues as well as her students who, she said, describe her teaching style as having a military aspect.

Christophe Zialor