By Vidya Gappy
Africa-Press – Seychelles. Auto Panel, a private auto body repair workshop located in Providence, is set to revolutionise the learning experience of Seychelles Institute of Technology students by providing access to cutting-edge technology.
Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) lecturers will also be able to immerse themselves in up-to-date industrial practices, thereby enhancing the quality of education.
This was made possible through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the SIT and Clinton Leon of Auto Panel, which took place yesterday at the Ministry of Education, Mont Fleuri.
Under the terms of the MoU, Auto Panel will construct a state-of-the-art autobody repair workshop on a plot of land (parcel V10053) allocated to the SIT and leased to Auto Panel.
The workshop will be equipped with the latest facilities, providing both students and staff access to up-to-date resources for training, practical activities, and live work. The facility will feature classrooms dedicated to theory sessions, and all costs associated with the setting up of the workshop, including construction and equipment, will be borne by Auto Panel. The workshop owner will continue to operate its business from the premises.
Principal secretary for sector education development, John Lesperance said Auto Panel approached the Ministry of Education on September 26, 2022 with a proposal to establish a public private partnership (PPP) with SIT.
“The potential of this collaboration was presented and a committee was subsequently appointed to bring this visionary project to fruition,” said Mr Lesperance.
He noted that this PPP is bringing forth many advantages.
“Embraced by the Ministry of Education, SIT, and their respective partners, including the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, and the Industrial Estates Authority, the Auto Panel PPP represents a winning combination,” added PS Lesperance.
“It aligns the private sector with a state provider in a symbiotic fashion, mirroring global best practices. The benefits extend to preparing workers with the latest competencies, producing work-ready graduates attuned to market needs, and enhancing overall industry competitiveness – a boon for us all,” added PS Lesperance.
He also said the partnership allows for the leverage of private sector financing, alleviating the burden on state resources. Auto Panel’s commitment to financing the project independently brings an alternative funding model to the forefront, recognising the contemporary challenges of state-led financing in education.
William Zarine of Auto Panel said since a child, he has heard about the concept of bringing businesses closer to students and he was glad that it has been brought to fruition.
“With this PPP, the students will be closer to the working world and also Auto Panel will also bring its services to another level. Currently, Auto Panel takes care of cars and most of our workers are expatriates. We have a demand for workers and with this PPP we are sure we will have more Seychellois workers benefitting the economy,” said Mr Zarine.
Minister Devika Vidot through the Industrial Estates Authority has supported this initiative since the beginning. “We are happy that finally the project came to fruition. This agreement had to satisfy four parties and we had to honour our commitment towards PPP. In terms of business, this new initiative will definitely add in the learning of the students, which otherwise would not have happened,” said Minister Vidot.
For his part, Education Minister, Dr Justin Valentin pointed out that although the project was presented to them in 2022; it was initially presented in 2011.
“At that time, may be the PPP philosophy was not yet understood. We are pushing our education agenda forward and we want our youth to learn differently. Education will never be attained alone and we need partners. Whatever is happening today, will for sure encourage other partners to come forward,” said Dr Valentin.
“We want TVET to become a reality and together with the private sector we will see how businesses can become TVET centres,” added the minister.
The ceremony was attended by PS for education services, Merna Eulentin, PS for lands, Denis Barbe, chief executive of the IEA, Thelma Estico, chairman of the SIT board, Philippe Morin and a representative of Auto Panel.
Source: nation.sc
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