SIT, Chinese college sign six-year MoU |14 December 2023

A souvenir photograph after signing the MoU

The Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) and Jining Polytechnic in China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a six-year period.

The signing yesterday morning was done virtually between the SIT director, Hubert Barbe, at the Ministry of Education’s headquarters and in China by the secretary of Jining Polytechnic Party Committee, Gao Guangli, and Duan Xiaofei from the CIIC International Education Technology, the other partner in the agreement.

In his address, Mr Barbe described the signing as a “historical moment”, as it was the first virtual signing between SIT and two International TVET institutions.

The MoU has three main objectives. Firstly, to bind SIT and Jining Polytechnic to develop professional teaching standards, curriculum standards and online courses in order to meet Seychelles’ actual needs.

Secondly, lecturers from SIT and Jining Polytechnic will be able to attend training courses at each other’s institutions, as part of the staff exchange programme.

Lastly, Jining Polytechnic will work with SIT to offer twinning programmes starting with motor vehicle engineering at diploma level, already initiated by both parties.

Mr Barbe said that such projects would allow SIT learners studying for the national diploma in motor vehicle engineering to qualify for two diplomas. Learners training at Jining Polytechnic will acquire skills in electric and hybrid vehicles, among others.

Jining Polytechnic also expressed its appreciation following the signing of the agreement, stating the discussion has been a smooth one with fruitful results.

Jining Polytechnic is a full-time state-run general vocational college established in October 2000, which offers 15 teaching units in sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, automotive technology, among others. It has more than 15,000 full-time students.

CIIC International Education Technology was established over 30 years and is engaged in vocational, corporate and language training.

This is SIT’s second agreement within three months. In September, the local institution signed a letter of intent with the Chinese Huanggang Polytechnic College to initiate a partnership between the local institution and the Chinese post-secondary institution.

Kassey Govinden

Photos by Kurtrine Albert