Two new Chevening graduates return home as Seychelles looks to its next 50 years |24 October 2026

HC Glekin flanked by Anil and Shania (Photo: Contributed)

In its 50th year of independence, Seychelles is placing fresh emphasis on skills, innovation and building a more resilient economy. Two of its newest Chevening graduates are back home and ready to contribute to that future.

Anil Arnephy-Ladouce and Shania Low-Thion spent a year in the United Kingdom studying Finance at London Business School and Global Strategy and Innovation Management at the University of Leeds on scholarships fully funded by the UK Government. They have since returned to Nouvobanq and the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission (PEMC), where they are putting their new knowledge and experience into practice.

The British High Commissioner, Jeff Glekin, welcomed them home with a lunch where the two scholars shared what they had learned, what surprised them and what they hope to put into practice. The conversation also turned to the wider Chevening community in Seychelles, and the opportunities that exist for its members to do more together as the country enters its next chapter.

HC Glekin, said: “Seychelles’ 50th year is a moment to look back, but also to look ahead, and the country’s next chapter will be shaped by people like Anil and Shania, who went abroad to learn and chose to bring that knowledge home. It was clear over lunch how much talent and energy there is among Seychelles’ Chevening graduates. I am looking forward to exploring how we can help that energy go even further.”

Anil said the biggest takeaway from his year was the people he met: “Chevening gave me a lot, but the biggest thing for me was the network. It strengthened my leadership skills and my ability to solve problems as part of a team. I now have a robust, worldwide network of professionals and relationships that I can draw on at any time. Wherever I am and whatever challenge I am facing, I can reach out to someone who may have faced it before or can help open a door. These are skills and connections I will draw on for the rest of my career, and I want to use them for Seychelles.”

Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships programme, offering future leaders the chance to study in the UK and join a global network of more than 55,000 alumni. In Seychelles, that network includes the country’s own President, Dr Patrick Herminie, himself a Chevening Scholar.

For information on future Chevening cycles, visit chevening.org.

Contributed