President Danny Faure visited the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) and Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA), at Providence this morning, as part of a series of visit to post-secondary educational institutions.

The President’s visit began at the Seychelles Institute of Technology where he was welcomed by the Vice Chairman of SIT Board, Mr John Lesperance, and the Director of SIT, Mr Hubert Barbé.

He was given a guided tour of the six departments and facilities at the institutions, where he also met students studying subjects such as plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and motor vehicle engineering.

Following his visit, the President chaired a meeting with Mr Barbé and his management team, who briefed the President on the progress and challenges of the institution and projects that they wish to implement.

President Faure commended the staff for their hard work and pledged the Government’s full support.

The President urged SIT to maintain records of the career paths of former students. He also noted the importance of the school having modern equipment and the necessary resources to keep the training offered relevant.

At the Seychelles Maritime Academy, President Faure was welcomed by the Chairman of SMA Board, Mr Conrad Benoiton, Director of SMA, Mr Arjuna Ranasinghe, and Deputy Director, Captain Wilton Ernesta.

The Academy has four main programmes:  Nautical Science (navigation), Marine Mechanic, Fisheries Science and Technology, and Apprenticeship. President Faure visited the facilities and met with students.

The President then met senior management of the institutions to discuss existing challenges as well as the progress that has been made. He conveyed his appreciation to SINEC and the Sri Lankan Government for partnering with the Seychelles Government in the management of SMA, which has become a well-established academy. He encouraged the academy to maintain the good work being done at the institute.

At both institutions, President Faure discussed the importance of training students as per the human resource needs of the country, both at present and in the future.  He underlined the need for a strategic plan, and collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Immigration, and Civil Status. For the SMA, he noted the key role they have to play in the critical sectors of the blue economy and maritime security.

Photos of the visit can be viewed at the following link:https://www.facebook.com/StateHouseSey/photos/pcb.1972183236182951/1972158736185401/?type=3&theater