The Media Youth, Sports and Culture Committee (MYSCC) visited the Anse Royale Campus of the University of Seychelles (UniSey), on Thursday 14th July 2022. The visit was carried out with the aims of gaining more information on the university’s infrastructure, facilities, courses and available resources. Gaining an understanding of the University’s constraints and the concerns of the students were also considered important aims of the visit. Following the visit, a meeting was held with the UniSey Vice Chancellor, the university’s executives and the President and Vice-President of the Student council. Guided through the UniSey by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Ms. Joelle Perreau, and other members of staff, the committee first visited the ‘Konpa’, which is the first point of enquiry for student services and support.
The Marketing office was visited next, where the Committee was introduced to some of the staff and interns working in this unit. The Committee also visited the UniSey’s library, where some of the constraints of the library services were discussed and plans to develop the University’s digital library were divulged.
Members had the opportunity to interact with some of the lecturers who were present whilst visiting the staff rooms of the university. The same opportunity presented itself, with regard to students who were present whilst the Committee was guided through some classrooms. The office of the Research Institutes of the university, namely the ‘James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute’, ‘Creole Language and Culture Research Institute’, ‘James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute’, the ‘Island Biodiversity & Conservation Centre’, was visited next. The concerns of the researchers mainly included the lack of resources, limited data availability and limited availability of office space.
Once the tour of the UniSey’s facilities ended, a meeting was held where discussions were plenty and fruitful. The Members were able to seek clarifications on a variety of issues and concerns. The UniSey Vice-Chancellor and executives also had the chance to seek clarifications from the Committee. One of the main concerns emphasized during the meeting was the UniSey’s lack of resources and budgetary constraints. Other issues discussed included the barriers which foreign students face when considering pursuing education at UniSey, such as the lack of student accommodation as well as the costs of living. The University also discussed their plans for the future, reflecting the country’s needs and demand.
Present at the meeting were Committee Members, Hon. Wavel Woodcock (Chair), Hon. Philip Arissol (Vice-Chair), Hon. Flory Larue, Hon. Naddy Zialor, Hon. Kelly Samynadin and Hon. Paul Ernesta.
The members were joined by Vice-Chancellor Ms Joëlle Perreau, Registrar Dr. Indra Persaud, Dean of Faculty Dr. Justin Zelime, Director of Finance Mrs. Emmanuella Simeon, Director of Marketing and Communications Ms Dolivette Chang-ko, Acting Director of Quality Assurance Mrs. Diana Ithier, Senior Manager of International and Local Engagement Mrs. Prema Servina, Senior Human Resource and Talent Management Manager Ms Marie-Andree Sally, President of the Student Council Mr. Steve Monnaie And Vice-President of the Student Council Samia Brioche.
