Celebrating 59th Itec Day |27 December 2023
A souvenir photograph
More than 1000 Seychellois benefit from ITEC
The Indian high commission in Seychelles last week gathered the alumni from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme to celebrate its 59th anniversary under the theme ‘Sharing knowledge for a shared future’.
The gathering took place at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa in Beau Vallon.
ITEC is the leading capacity building platform of the Ministry of External Affairs of the government of India. Instituted in 1964, ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements for international capacity building having trained more than 200,000 officials from 160+ countries in both the civilian and in the defence sector.
More than 1000 Seychellois have benefited from various courses since 1985.
The Indian high commissioner, Karthik Pande, noted that “India is a country which has always played a constructive role on the world stage. Our offer of development aid, our development model is not based on ‘give and take’, but is guided by the developmental requirements of partner countries. Our focus has always been on capacity building and resource development. We have always strived for collective team work at all forums of our developmental partnerships.”
HC Pande shared that every time a group of professionals go to India for the courses offered by ITEC, he is struck by their dedication to learn and work for the betterment of their country. This year officers from Seychelles have opted for training relating to audit, renewable energy, education (including higher education), health and IT and security. “And when they return, they leave a bit of beautiful Seychelles there and bring back a bit of incredible India with them. I am just delighted to say that the family of ITEC alumni has been growing healthily!”
Since 2014, India has offered close to 100,000 world-class capacity building trainings and scholarships at premier institutions in India, along with a chance to experience the culture and hospitality of India. Even during the disruptions occasioned by the Covid pandemic, the ITEC programme continued with its commitment to share India's development experience with the world, providing online healthcare and governance related trainings to nearly 10,000 professionals through digital platforms.
Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari praised the ITEC programme and said “What is good for you must be good for your neighbour. India is an important partner and we treat each other with respect and work for the benefit of each country. So we are growing together. I met with the ITEC alumni and I am very impressed. When India opens its arms to the world, it does so in a generous manner and not just in kind but in knowledge and sharing values.”
Saviona Isaac followed a training session in International Marketing, Digitalisation and Global Competitiveness in Noida, India for four months in 2017. She is currently working as a Trade and Commerce assistant at the Indian high commission.
“I was encouraged to apply for this course by a friend and I am happy about the whole experience. I studied elsewhere but in India, apart the study time, they also focus on meditation and culture. You also get to travel in different parts of India. I also made lots of friends mainly from African countries.”
Shanna Carola followed a one-month course in ‘Solar energy technologies and applications’ in September this year. “In my class there were students from Paraguay, Morocco, Fiji islands, Nigeria. It was basically more practical and we visited the factories where the solar systems are being manufactured. I was also recommended by a friend to apply and once I applied, I got accepted. We also discovered the culture, its food and the people. The place was safe and I recommend others to apply,” shared Shanna.
During the ceremony, one of the alumni, Farida Esparon, received a special token from HC Pande for excelling in her job.
Apart from the regular calendar-based training programmes, India also responds to country-specific requests for training in specific areas of governance by organising customised training programmes which are designed and delivered by the leading institutions in India.
ITEC is administered by the Development Partnership Administration-II Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and training under ITEC is fully paid for covering return air tickets, gratis visa, course fees charged by the training institute, accommodation, living allowance, study tours, medical facilities – if the emergency need arises.
In addition to classroom learning, ITEC courses offer an opportunity to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of ‘Incredible’ India. The duration of the majority of the courses is between 1-3 weeks, ensuring that it is not too much of disruption for the functioning of the officer under training. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also involved in facilitating this process for Seychellois applicants.
Vidya Gappy
Photos: Kurtrine Albert
