Partnership between SIAD and ADI opens doors for students and staff |10 February 2024
Mrs Chetty-Payet signing the MoU (Photo: Joena Meme)
By Laura Pillay
The Seychelles Institute of Art and Design and the Academy of Design and Innovation in Mauritius have signed a memorandum of understanding which promises a wealth of opportunities for students and staff from both institutions.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed in a virtual ceremony hosted at the Ministry of Education yesterday morning, establishes a framework for academic cooperation between the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD) and the Academy of Design and Innovation (ADI) in Mauritius.
Director of SIAD, Christine Chetty-Payet expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential for staff exchanges, joint lectures, and research programmes.
"This collaboration is crucial as we review and enhance our programmes to align with industry needs and current developments," said Mrs Chetty-Payet.
The agreement opens doors for SIAD students to pursue training at ADI, which offers Bachelor's degree programmes, among many others. Mrs Chetty-Payet emphasised the benefits for students who have completed their courses at SIAD.
The collaboration extends beyond academic exchanges. Joint participation in exhibitions, seminars, and workshops will enhance capacity building for both institutions.
In November 2023, educators and learners from SIAD took part in a textiles exhibition in Guinea Conakry, facilitated by ADI.
Chairperson of SIAD's governing board, Martin Kennedy expressed optimism about the partnership's potential outcomes.
“I think that there has never been a time when innovation within the creative industries has had a greater significance,” Mr Martin said.
As both institutions work towards redesigning SIAD and adapting programmes to the evolving demands of industries, the partnership with ADI promises to create intellectually robust and adaptable graduates prepared for the modern workforce, Mr Kennedy added.
Director of ADI, Sabrina Ramsamy Iranah highlighted the agreement's benefits in allowing both institutions to leverage each other's strengths, and exchange resources and best practices.
The MoU between SIAD and ADI represents a significant step towards fostering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and innovation in Seychelles and Mauritius.
The ADI operates under the aegis of the Mauritian Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives.
caption
