130 TGMI students graduate   By Patrick Joubert   |22 September 2023

The graduates in a souvenir photograph with guests

One hundred and thirty (130) students from The Guy Morel Institute (TGMI) graduated yesterday after successfully completing their studies at certificate, advanced certificate and diploma levels in various accredited programmes offered by the institute.

The courses and programmes include General Management, Human Resource Management, Office and Records Management, Public Procurement and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).  

They received their certificates in a graduation ceremony held yesterday afternoon at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) organised by the institute in the presence of the Minister for Employment & Social Affairs, Patricia Francourt; the Minister for Local Government & Community Affairs, Rose-Marie Hoareau; principal secretaries, the chief secretary of the Public Service Bureau, Shella Mohideen; the executive director of TGMI, Patrick Bristol; members of the diplomatic corps; TGMI board members; staff and other guests.

There were awards and prizes for 15 best performers and they were Bernadette Cadeau (Certificate in General Management), Derothy Payet (Certificate in Human Resource), Elma Dogley (Certificate in Office and Records Management), Selma Anette (Certificate in Public Procurement), Elsia Françoise (Advanced Certificate in General Management), Nicolette Barra (Advanced Certificate in Human Resource), Peter Allisop (Advanced Certificate in General Management from the Diploma in Labour Studies Programme), Elsie Morel (Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply), Jean-Marc Athanase (Diploma in General Management), Marie-Stella Rachel (Diploma in Human Resource Management), Brigida Ng ping Cheun (ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting level 2), Clara Morel (ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting level 3), Angelic Azemia (ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business level 4), Alice Khan (ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business) and Vania Elizabeth (BSc (Honours) in Applied Accounting).

With the aim of encouraging learners to build on their own motivation and determination to achieve their goals demonstrated by a strong commitment to working with other peers in cohort, show consistency and sustained ability to improve the learners’ involvement and experience and to seek for opportunities for discussions and consensus and to go above and beyond in their support of progression and achievement of the learner community, the TGMI has introduced a Stronger – Together Leader Award for the graduate who suit those qualities. The award went to Marie-Vonne Perrera, graduated with an Advanced Certificate in General Management.

In his opening remarks, Mr Bristol highlighted on the institute’s challenges and achievements.He noted that since its conception in 2018, it has not been easy to make significant progress in addressing the various deficiencies such as the lack of human resource capacity, limited assets, upgrading of the infrastructure as they do not depend on a budget from the government.

“Hence, these remain among the top priorities to address. Despite these challenges, the management and staff did not waver or allow these to interfere with your studies,” said Mr Bristol who noted that the governing board has taken it to task to continue to explore various possibilities aimed at improving the working and learning environment.

Speaking about achievements, Mr Bristol stated that TGMI has in the past twelve months made progress in a number of domains and is now well  into implementation of its 2022 to 2026 strategic plan which will include moving towards digitalisation of the institute.

He added that they have been able to upgrade their main computer lab with 30 state-of-the-art computers to support training deliveries and the growing demand for technical specifications for computer-based exams, as recommended by most examinations partners. In addition, a new media room has been set up to improve hybrid learning.

Mr Bristol also announced that the institute is now offering Computer-Delivery International English Language Testing System (CDIELTS) that has created the possibility for offering examinations on a quarterly basis starting November 2023. It has also started offering the ‘Diploma in Banking in the digital Age’ where learners can attest in both certificate and advanced certificate. He noted that the banking programme aims to produce competent graduates for the banking sector as from 2025.

He said that the distinguished reputation for its qualifications and well-crafted short courses, workshops and customised in-house training programmes are essentially to meet the unique requirements of organisations seeking to enhance the expertise of their teams.

“As we continue on our mission to build the human capacity for transformation of the workforce and enhancement of productivity in the country, today I extend an invitation to individuals, private businesses and parastatals, to reach out and assist the institute. The Guy Morel Institute eagerly awaits the opportunity to engage with you,” he said.

Mr Bristol congratulated the graduates on their achievements and thanked them for choosing the institute for their empowerment investment.

He urged them to keep on fostering the conducive working environment for them to apply what they have learnt.

It was the best awardee in Diploma in General Management, Jean-Marc Athanase, who presented the vote of thanks. He called on his fellow colleagues to embrace change and motivation by being the change makers for the benefit of the community.

He thanked the various organisations and sponsors both in government and the private sector for giving them the opportunity to further their studies.

He noted that their investment has undoubtedly yield a capable workforce for the country.

The ceremony started with a blessing by Reverend Lebrun Rabat. There was also an entertainment performance by local duo Swagg Tune and a poem titled ‘The Ma Joie Hill’ by graduate Elsia Françoise.

Photos by Patrick Joubert