S5 school leavers accepted on new fisheries course |10 May 2023
The 18 students in a souvenir photograph with guests after the launch ceremony (Photo: Joena Meme)
A group of 18 former secondary five (S5) students who were not accepted at professional centres of their choice earlier this year, will now be able to follow a four-month course on sustainable fisheries for future seafarers.
The newly established course that will be conducted by the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) was launched yesterday morning in a ceremony at the institution’s premises in Providence.
It is a joint collaboration by the academy, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education.
The 18 boys and girls were contacted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and given another chance, after failing to qualify for post-secondary institutions. With great enthusiasm they all accepted to be a part of the programme, which will include a four-month course, followed by an on-the-job training in the blue economy field through the skills development programme offered by the employment department.
When addressing them, SMA director, Captain Prasanna Sedrick, said he was very proud of the ministries’ efforts and also of the students who are grabbing this opportunity. “You have taken the first step to building your future, it happens at a really important and valuable time because all three ministries came together thinking about the young Seychellois,” said Captain Sedrick.
He added that the programme became an official project after he was contacted by Education Minister Justin Valentin who wanted to see what could be done for students who perceive a passion for maritime education but did not get selected for SMA.
“I told him that we had a four-month programme and if we should start it, however we would need some help,” he said.
Speaking to the local media, Captain Sedrick further explained that the programme not only serves as a second chance but also as a bridge to help those who want to pursue the field after a setback such as non-admission.
“We are not going to give up on you, and waste your talents by just sitting around, or else we would be failing ourselves,” he stated.
For his part, Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari said he applauded the parents for being supportive of their children and pushing them towards better things.
Talking to the students he said: “We started with 18 students and I want to see it ending with 18 students, having all of you graduating because if you fail, then I fail,” he said.
When outlining the course, SMA’s head of fisheries programme, Michael Barbé, said the topics will include marine mechanic, navigation and other fisheries related practices.
Mr Barbé said the course is very technical, however other aspects will also be taught.
“If you look at the course itself, you will say that it focuses more on fishing, however that is why within the title of the course we have included ‘seafarers’, to also accommodate those who want to go on yachts, cargoes and tankers in the future,” he said.
In an interview with the media, one of the students, Aurelie Yat-Ywan, said she has been eager to start since receiving the first phone call from the ministry informing her of the programme. “All I wanted to know after that call was ‘when do we start?’ and ‘where do I have to be?’ because this is really a great opportunity,” she said.
Diane Laramé