Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (Siad) graduation ceremony   Aurelie Bradburn takes home the President’s Cup |23 April 2022

Aurelie Bradburn receiving the President’s Cup from President Ramkalawan

Aurelie Bradburn clinched the President’s Cup during the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design graduation ceremony yesterday afternoon at the University of Seychelles auditorium at Anse Royale.

Additionally, Aurelie also clinched the award for best performer in the Chinese language.

Like every winner of the prestigious President’s Cup, Aurelie was also awarded a laptop, a certificate, and a scholarship sponsored by the Agency for National Human Resource Development.

Aurelie received her trophy from President Wavel Ramkalawan himself in the presence of Minister for Education, Dr Justin Valentin; principal secretary for education sector development John Lesperance; principal secretary for educational services, Merna Eulentin; principal secretary for culture Cecile Kalebi; Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (Siad) director Christine Chetty-Payet; parents, teachers and colleagues.

Aurelie was overwhelmed when she received the cup from President Ramkalawan.

“Since the beginning, studies were quite hard and with the pandemic it was stressful at times but I persevered,” she said.

She has been described as an enthusiastic young emerging artist who strives to perform better at each given opportunity.

“Throughout my three years of study, I encouraged my friends while at the same time I was also trying my best. At some point I was even discouraged and wanted to quit but was encouraged by the lecturers and my parents. Now I am looking forward to my future studies abroad after which I will come back to start my own business,” an excited Aurelie shared.

While she was following her course Aurelie also held some key positions such as class representative, vice-chairperson of the students’ council and has been the initiator of several fruitful propositions targeting the improvement of learners’ life at the institution.

The other awardees for 2021 are Emilie Hoareau (best performer ‒ Certificate in Fashion and Textiles), Ky-Manie Eliza (best performer ‒ Certificate in Visual Arts), Nishreen Kilindo (best performer ‒ Diploma in Art and Design with specialisation in Fashion and Textiles), Sylvius Laporte (best performer ‒ Diploma in Art and Design with specialisation in Fine Art),  Erica Niole (best performer ‒  Diploma in Art and Design with specialisation in Graphic Design), Sylvius Laporte (best Cambridge GCE ‘A-Level Art’ performer and the Siad Governing Board Award).

Sylvius Laporte was also happy for his achievements and shared that he is looking forward to further his studies.

In total, 51 students graduated – 35 successfully completed full time programmes in their areas of specialisation offered by Siad at certificate, advanced certificate and diploma levels. Sixteen (16) candidates followed short courses in Basic Soft Furnishing and Sewing Skills for beginners and were rewarded at certificate level 3 as per the National Qualifications Framework.

Siad director Chetty-Payet noted that the institute has observed an increase of 8% in learners scoring a credit compared to previous years ‒ from 46% in 2019 to 58% in 2021. There was no failure recorded. In 2021, Siad also successfully launched two short programmes and 16 participants successfully received their certificates yesterday.

“While it remains a challenging point, our core mandate states firmly that of providing the opportunity to learn and ensure that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in the visual arts sector so that they can work and contribute proficiently in the creative and cultural industries of Seychelles,” stated Mrs Chetty-Payet.

Vidya Gappy