The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, hosted the first High Achievers Award Ceremony at State House this afternoon, where some 48 students were recognised for having excelled in the 2017 National and International Examinations at Primary Six, Secondary 5, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, DELF, Cambridge IGCSE and Advance Level.
Among the students present, four of the High Achievers obtained international recognition by coming first, seventh, eighth and ninth among the top ten in the world in their respective subject. They are Abisheak Sathiyamoorthy, Anna Yang, Mickael Jean and Anna Lespoir.
In her address during the ceremony, the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Mrs Jeanne Simeon, congratulated the students for their outstanding performance. She noted her hope that today's event inspires other students to emulate those high achievers.
"I am convinced, Mr. President, that today's event will inspire the students present to do even better in their future studies. Likewise, the event will serve to motivate other students to study, study and study, and to be the best they possibly can in their studies," said Minister Simeon.
The Minister highlighted that the results show that with hard work, discipline and setting high academic standards, the students can succeed in their studies and obtain good grades. As she wished them success, the Minister asked the students to be models and mentors to their peers and siblings at school and at home. Minister Simeon added that her Ministry will continue to implement various strategies to ensure that those studying have access to good quality education.
She informed that improving the quality of teaching and learning are two priorities of her Ministry. "In line with the Education Strategic Plan 2018-2022, our target is to strengthen teaching and learning in the early years as giving the young children a strong start is the formula for good and sustainable results, as students' progress through their primary, secondary and tertiary studies".
Minister Simeon thanked the teachers for giving their best in educating the students, the parents for their love, care and guidance, school management for making sure that the required facilities are available for the students to study and the faithful benefactors for their support.
The ceremony was followed by the presentation of tokens, by President Faure, to the students for their achievements.
Also present at the ceremony were the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Human Resource Development, Dr Linda Barallon; Director Independent School Seychelles, Dr Sherley Marie; Director École Française des Seychelles, Mr. Laurent Galicous and Mr Terence Francoise, representing the Principal of International School Seychelles.
More photos of the ceremony can be viewed on the State House facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/StateHouseSey/photos/pcb.1855838571150752/1855828397818436/?type=3&theater