NIHSS graduation ceremony   |29 April 2023

Vince Hallock receiving his trophy from President Ramkalawan

Vince Hallock wins President’s Cup

By Vidya Gappy

Vince Hallock is the winner of the prestigious President’s Cup for being the outstanding student of the 2022 cohort of the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS).

The 23-year-old was presented with the cup by President Wavel Ramkalawan during the institute’s graduation ceremony which took place at the University of Seychelles auditorium at Anse Royale.

A total of 72 students graduated yesterday  – 16 with a Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory sciences, 10 with a Diploma in Pharmaceutical sciences, 23 with a Diploma in Nursing and 23 with a Diploma in Social Work.

“I have been working towards this goal for the last three years and when I finally got it, I am still in shock!” shared Vince after receiving the cup.

Vince is already employed with the Ministry of Health in the Laboratory services. 

“For the last three years, I worked hard and always tried to stay above-average academic performances. I also participated in various extra-curricular activities promoting the activities of NIHSS. Now my plan is to pursue my studies in the same field,” shared Vince.

Vince was also a keen speaker, reliable helper in different activities and a sports person. He is also a blood donor, attended various training and assisted the Ministry of Health eagerly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Besides President Ramkalawan, other guests present at the ceremony yesterday included First Lady Linda Ramkalawan; the Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne; Minister for Health Peggy Vidot; Minister for Employment & Social Affairs, Patricia Francourt; Minister for Youth, Sports & Family, Marie-Celine Zialor; representatives from the Ministry of Education; parents and guests.

The other awardees are: Vince Hallock and Michela Bianchi (Best participation awards); Cherlyn Anacoura (Best Person Centred-Care Award).

For the Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences the best performers are Cheryl Mondon (Best Academic Performer); Vince Hallock (Best in Practice); and Stephie Roucou (Best Effort Award).

For the Diploma in Pharmaceutical sciences the Best Academic Performer and Best in Practice is Anny Tirant while the Best Effort Award goes to Norisha Richemond.

For the Diploma in Nursing Tamara Bibi is the Best Academic Performer; Finette Baptiste Best in Practice and NatanielleAccouche Best Effort Award.

For the Diploma in Social Work the Best Academic Performer is Larissa Hess; Best in Practice Cherlyn Anacoura and Best Effort Award Shawn Confiance.

Two students qualified for the Overall Best Practice Award and this go to Cherlyn Anacoura and Vince Hallock.

The Overall Best Academic performer is Cheryl Mondon.

The director of NIHSS, Ebrahim M. Ali, congratulated the graduates and said the world needs not only experts in the health and social fields, but also passionate and empathetic professionals who will go the extra mile, who will not just tick boxes and push papers, but work tirelessly to make a difference in the society they serve.

“I therefore charge you today, wherever you may find yourself, to go make a difference and keep embodying the NIHSS core values of accountability, integrity, pursuit of excellence, respect, empowerment, scientific rigour, engagement and teamwork. These values, I promise you, are your ticket to your next destination. Today is just a pause, a breather to celebrate your achievements. But if you could look into the future, you would be sure to see silhouettes of mountains looming nearby such as higher studies or growing in your workplace. Whatever mountains that stand in your way, you are equipped with a high-quality education as your solid foundation,” said Mr Ali.

Since NIHSS moved to Mont Fleuri, more students are showing interest in the courses and it also has both S5 students and mature students. It will soon finalise its strategic plan and it envisions offering more diversified programmes in the social sector as well as adopting more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.

NIHSS is fully accredited and constantly adapting to new changes in the health, social and education sector. It also plans to revamp its marketing campaigns and become more active in the community so that it attracts more S5 leavers with science subjects over the coming years. Soon also the uniforms of the students will change to reflect the two sectors they serve.

Photos: Joena Meme