Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme Students rewarded for their involvement |04 May 2022
Souvenir photo of all the students and guests (Photo: Contributed)
Students who took part in various science and technologically driven competitions as part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programme have been rewarded.
This was during a ceremony held at the STC conference room recently.
In total, four awards were presented ‒ the First Global 2021, the First Roboco Challenge, the Africa Code Week Challenge, and the Balloon Satellite training.
In 2020, Seychelles came out 47th out of 175 countries in the First Global challenge which was conducted virtually. In 2021, the Seychelles team who participated in the First Global 2021 challenge was ranked 17th out of 177 countries.
“Today is not just a ceremony. It is the celebration of the achievements of our young generation in the STEM programme,” said Xavier Estico, director general for science, technology and innovation within the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry.
Mr Estico presented members of the Seychelles team in the First Global 2021 with their certificates and awards.
Five students reached the final in the Africa Code Week Challenge and were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals.
The mentors who were also alongside the students throughout the whole process were also awarded with a certificate of appreciation which was presented by Minister for Investment, Industry and Entrepreneurship Devika Vidot.
The minister also presented the students who took part in the First Roboco Challenge 2021 with a set of five certificates and a bronze medal.
Principal secretary for educational services, Merna Eulentin presented the students who took part in the Africa Code Week Challenge with their certificates followed by Dr Srimathy Kesan from Space Kidz India who presented the students who were involved in the Balloon Satellite training with their certificates.
The participants also had the opportunity to watch a video of the balloon satellite launch which took place last Thursday and was attended by Vice-President Ahmed Afif, the students themselves among other guests.
Dr Kesan also presented a token of appreciation to Minister Vidot who was first wrapped in the Seychelles flag, an Indian custom and then presented with the drape from the Balloon Satellite. Dr Kesan stated that this signifies the long friendship between Seychelles and India.
Minister Vidot noted that Seychelles has come a long way in a short period of time as the STEM programme was launched in Seychelles quite recently. The minister said “this ultimately leads to what the future holds for all of us as science technology and innovation is the future.”
Also present for the ceremony were Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment Minister Flavien Joubert; principal secretary for investment, entrepreneurship and industry Michael Nalletamby; mentors, parents and students.
Marla Simeon