PUC donates computers to SIT |15 September 2023

The handover ceremony: (l to r) Mr Alvis, Mr Morin, Mr Barbe and Mr Valmont

The Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) yesterday afternoon donated a set of ten computers to the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT).

The donation of the Dell computers was held in a short ceremony at the institute in the presence of PUC’s chief executive, Joel Valmont; the director of the institute, Hubert Barbe; the chairman of PUC’s board, Lenny Alvis; SIT board chairman Philippe Morin, senior management and other board members of PUC and SIT learners.

The computers were purchased overseas at a cost of R180,000.

The partnership between PUC and SIT exists for a number of years and the two sides have signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

During that period, PUC has made several donations to the academy, ranging from lathe and welding machines to computers among others, to keep students and teachers updated on the latest advancements in technology, while the institution has provided training to PUC staff.

The latest donation will be used by IT students currently following their diploma course.

In his opening remarks, Mr Valmont said that since the renewal of the MoU in 2021, PUC has actively contributed to the partnership by hosting over 30 work attachments for students, facilitated five work-based experience programmes, supported more than 20 apprenticeship programmes and recruited over 70 skilled SIT graduates.

He added that PUC was now exploring the possibility of upgrading the Certificate in Pipe-Fitting Installation Course to ensure that students are well prepared for the industry’s current demands.   

“Today’s ceremony is truly symbolic of the strong collaboration ties that exist between PUC and SIT. It gives evidence of PUC’s interest in the success of SIT, and the development of today’s students, whom we see as the future workforce of the country. We hope that the 10 computers we are handing over today will be valued tools to facilitate your learning journey,” Mr Valmont said.

For his part, Mr Barbe who shared the institution’s partnership history with PUC, stated that the computers have come at an opportune time as the academy forges ahead with implementing its digitalisation plan, as set out in its strategy.

“We need to ensure that we are updated especially now that we are offering training in IT. I believe our partnership with PUC has been very positive in a sense that PUC has positively responded whenever we required assistance and we have also assisted them by providing training to a number of workers at PUC,” said Mr Barbe.

He commended the partnership and thanked PUC for the generous donation which he noted will be put to good use.

Text & photo by Patrick Joubert