SIAD 2020 graduation ceremony |04 September 2021

Eric Albert, President’s Cup winner

Eric Albert clinches President’s Cup

Eric Albert has clinched the prestigious President’s Cup for being the most outstanding performer at the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD) for 2020.

He was among fifty-five students who graduated in a ceremony held virtually yesterday morning at the University of Seychelles.

The graduates have successfully completed full time specialised programmes, offered by SIAD at Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma levels in the areas of Textiles, Fashion, Graphic Design and Fine Art.

Some graduates also sat for the GCE ‘A’ Level Art examinations in 2020 while some completed a course in basic Chinese language.

Apart from receiving the prestigious cup, Eric also got a laptop, again sponsored by the Office of the President, a scholarship for further studies from the Agency for National Resource Development (ANHRD) and other prizes from sponsors.

He also won the best performer award at Diploma in Art and Design.

He has been described as an ardent worker who has demonstrated responsibility, creativeness and open-mindedness throughout his studies. He has participated in various artistic competitions and extracurricular engagements organised by SIAD and also at national level. He was nominated by the SIAD for the Positive Youth Image Award last year, among other achievements.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION by phone, the 20-year-old said he was very proud of his achievement as he had given his best amid constraints caused by the pandemic.

“I had the eye on another colleague to win the trophy but it has come my way and I am very happy. Now I will focus on preparing myself for the scholarship. I urge my fellow SIAD colleagues to never give up on their dreams as success will come their way if they continue to believe in themselves,” he added.

Other awardees were Shakim Loizeau (best performer in Certificate Drawing and Painting), Sheryl Confiance (best performer in Certificate Sewing and Textiles), Helen Ma (best performer at Advanced Certificate in Fine Art), Aurellie Bradburn (best performer at Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design), Francisca Rose (best performer at Advanced Certificate in Fashion and Textiles).

Greg Bradburn was the best A-Level candidate while Rachel Payet was the best performer for Chinese Language. She also won the SIAD Governing Board Award for exemplary attitude and behaviour, consistency in performance, devotion and positivity to studies and extra-curricular activities.

Francess Rose on the other hand won the award for best effort for Chinese Language.

In her address for the occasion, the director of SIAD, Christine Payet, congratulated the 55 graduates on their accomplishments, saying that for a second consecutive year, SIAD is proud that all its graduates have achieved pass marks or better in 2020. Graduates who sat for the GCE ‘A’ Level Art examinations in 2020 performed exceptionally well and recorded a 100% pass rate while sixteen final year learners successfully completed the Basic Chinese Language at Level 1 ran by the Confucius Institute of the University of Seychelles.

She noted that the achievement has come as a result of the students’ hard work and commitment, as well as that of the lecturers and support staff, and the conducive structures put in place, although the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many challenges for SIAD.

Mrs Payet stated that the institution is fully accredited and has the capacity to provide education and training programmes leading to the award of qualifications to be registered on the Seychelles National Qualifications Framework; and to assess the performance of learners participating in such programmes.

In its pursuit to maintain a high level of education and training, SIAD has in 2020 conducted three Job Analysis workshops for reviewing existing programmes and developing new programmes. Among the new programmes introduced is a diploma level in Soft Furnishing and Upholstery for Interior Design, developed with the aim of diversifying programmes on offer to better respond to labour market needs.

“We continue in our endeavours to enhance our reputation by strengthening our relationships with key stakeholders and indeed remain committed to cultivating new partnerships with other parties and the community in which we operate,” Mrs Payet said.

With the Covid-19 pandemic impacting on the artistic and creative industries, forcing many to seek alternative means and ways to earn a living, Mrs Payet called on the graduates to, as much as possible, embrace life’s uncertainties by channeling their energy into positive actions.

“We have equipped you with the necessary skills to push boundaries while dealing with challenges. You possess qualities and values which can help you adapt easily to various critical circumstances and provide solutions to humanity’s challenges,” she said, thanking parents for supporting their children.

The ceremony, which started with a blessing by graduate Caura Antat, ended with a vote of thanks by graduate Rachel Payet.

Patrick Joubert