Rédaction Africa Links 24 with nation.sc
Published on 2024-03-03 17:06:53
In an effort to enhance agricultural education and innovation, Seychelles is set to establish a collaborative partnership with Edgerton University in Kenya. This partnership aims to transform the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH) by providing the necessary skills and competencies in the agricultural sector.
The Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment, Flavien Joubert, along with the principal secretary for Environment, Denis Matatiken, held discussions with the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage and senior staff from various faculties at Edgerton University on Tuesday, February 27. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi.
The purpose of the visit was to follow up on previous discussions between the ministry and the university regarding the development of skills for academic achievers and technicians from SIAH in areas such as animal science, veterinary science, entomology, plant sciences, and crop studies.
The discussions focused on three main areas of engagement. Firstly, exploring the possibility of involving Edgerton University in the management of the institute, similar to the existing partnership between CINEC and Seychelles Maritime Academy. Secondly, working towards transforming the curriculum process to prepare students for further education at the university. And thirdly, recruiting individuals with the appropriate expertise to enhance teaching programs, whether through in-person delivery or remote lectures.
Talks with Edgerton University began in 2022 following a visit by the then Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to Seychelles. Over the past two years, a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been developed, which is currently under review by the Kenyan Attorney General’s office. Edgerton University has shown a strong commitment to Seychelles’ vision and is prepared to sign the MoU once approval is obtained from the Attorney General’s office.
To provide further support to Seychelles, Edgerton University has agreed to send a team on a fact-finding mission at the invitation of the Seychelles government. The university will also offer 10 places for teaching staff and students to pursue diplomas and higher-level courses in 2024, focusing on the practical aspects of collaboration.
Seychelles aims to send a group of students through government scholarship schemes by September. The university also plans to customize training at the certificate level to establish a solid foundation for agricultural education. Additionally, short-term training programs, such as cheese and yogurt manufacturing and agro-food processing, will be explored to benefit students and small entrepreneurs in Seychelles.
During the visit, the minister toured various facilities at the Faculty of Agriculture and interacted with the trainers. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of teaching and showed confidence in the potential of Seychellois students at the university.
The Seychelles-Edgerton University collaboration is expected to signify a new chapter in the advancement of agricultural education and innovation. By mid-2024, a formal agreement with a regional university for capacity enhancement and student opportunities at SIAH is anticipated, paving the way for the institute to meet the sector’s capacity needs effectively.
Overall, this collaboration aims to elevate agricultural education in Seychelles, fostering excellence in the sector and providing students with enhanced opportunities for growth and development.
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