Seychelles University Foundation - 05.11.2007
Source: Seychelles Nation
The chairman of the Seychelles University Foundation, Dr Rolph Payet, has released a brochure outlining the proposed institution’s mission, aspirations and how people can get involved with supporting it.
The brochure, which has been sent to all Seychelles diplomatic missions abroad, also talks 
Dr Payet said that it also states what rewards await those who support the initiative.
According to the publication, among the missions of the university is one to unlock the Seychellois potential for economic, sustainable and cultural growth by aligning education and human resource development to the long-term development strategies of Seychelles and to create a high profile environment for the life long learning, research and technological advancement through partnership with leading international institutions.
The core aspirations are to establish a university in Seychelles that will strive to create an innovation-learning environment relevant to the needs of the country.
“The University will be designed with a modern outlook to learning, discovery and innovation and be open to all levels of society, including grass roots individuals wishing to engage professional development and discovery while cultivating a commitment to the betterment of people within the community, thereby demonstrating a responsibility towards society as a whole.
Dr Payet said that Seychelles needs a university because human progress hinges on the development of universities, and currently, the cost of overseas graduate training restricts the number of potential Seychellois that can attend university.
“And also because the nation needs to embrace the concept of a knowledge based society. The university will serve as an engine for growth and development in Seychelles and drive Seychelles economic growth by developing its most important asset, its people.
“We also need one because the creation and retention of wealth underpins the future of Seychelles. The university will enable Seychellois to operate successfully at enhanced managerial and professional levels,” he said, quoting from the brochure.
The publication says that the university’s other aim is to initially focus on areas where Seychelles University can play a significant role in the development of Seychelles.
“Our focus in information technology will include high-level training to meet the country’s needs in areas of IT support and development, communications and emerging technologies, and to prepare for the development of knowledge services hub.
“Focus in Business and Finance will include business management, commerce, financial services, economics and business law aimed at achieving economic growth and performance, entrepreneurship and sustainable competitive advantage.
“In environment and fisheries, focus will include tropical eco-system conservation, restoration, coastal and marine ecosystem management, fisheries development, as well as emphasis on adaptation and resilience building to climate change,” it says.
With regard to education and knowledge, the brochure says that focus will be on the development of high quality teams of teachers to support the entire educational system, including the introduction of life-long learning concepts, knowledge management in early schooling, and development of a robust human resource base.
In tourism and events focus will include the development of senior managers and professionals for the entire tourism industry, with focus on quality services and products, as well as the promotion of the cultural and ecotourism aspects.
The government has offered two plots land on which to build the new university. It is also expected that a few existing buildings will also be converted to house certain faculties or facilities of the university. The main campus will be located at Anse Royale on a 27-hectare plot of land near the district administration offices.
In the first phase of construction a facility is proposed at the centre of existing learning facilities at Mont Fleuri. This modern building will be located on a 0.36 hectares of land between the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Education. The new facility will house the first faculties of the Seychelles University and its associated infrastructure. Preliminary artist impressions and design for the building are being prepared.
People who support the university will be rewarded thus:
For every donation given, which is below US $20,000 or equivalent in Seychelles Rupees (SR), each donor will automatically earn the title of “Friend of the Seychelles University Foundation” and a Certificate.
For every donation given, which exceeds US $20,000 (or equivalent in SR, or equal accumulated donation over three years) the donor will earn the title “Supporter of the Seychelles University Foundation,” and a Gold certificate.
For every donation of US $200,000 (or equivalent in SR) and above, the donor will be entitled to a personal portrait or portrait of choice in the Hall of Fame, and earn the title of “Supporter of the Seychelles University”.
For every donation of US $2,000,000 (or equivalent in SR) and above, the donor will have the choice of naming one of the university buildings, be entitled to a portrait in the Hall of Fame, and earn the title of “Co-founder of the Seychelles University.”
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