Launching of university media lab

Launching of university media lab - 14.03.2008  (Seychelles Nation)
University to boost society, says new media team
The launching of Seychelles University will greatly impact all sectors of the Seychellois society in the same way as other new universities are known to do around the world.

The chairman and members of a new Seychelles University Foundation’s (SUF) team called the “Media Lab” which was launched at State House on Wednesday said.

“Any university that has been launched in any country has had a big impact in transforming society and it is important for Seychellois to understand those impacts,” said Dr Rolph Payet, who chairs both the SUF and the Media Lab.

He said that creating awareness on such issues to the public is one of the reasons why the media group, comprised of personnel from, media, communication and related sectors of public and private organizations, was formed.

“People will need to understand that overnight the university will have capacity to absorb many more people than had the chance to go to university overseas previously,” he said, explaining that at the moment, due to limitation of resources, government sponsors only those who have 18 points and above, which is very high, because there has to be a cut-off point, but others who have a bit less but have nevertheless qualified well enough would have access to the University of Seychelles.

“This means we will end up with more graduates and therefore more professionals and the economy will move ahead as many more changes happen in society,” he said, adding that there will be more disposable income.

Dr Payet said that the Media Lab is meant to implement specific goals of the strategic plans and will embark on an information campaign, first to motivate and encourage young Seychellois to prepare and aim for institution, so that when the university is operational, there will be enough Seychellois who meet the minimum entry requirements.

“The group will encourage young Seychellois to do their best at school and urge parents to be more involved in their children’s education,” Dr Payet said.

Another aim of the media team is to assist in the fund raising campaign that will be launched soon, he said, adding that the university is next month expected to have an office in town whose venue will be made public in due course.