Speech - Graduation Ceremony of the
AEA Training Centre at the Octave Wiehe Auditorium, Reduit
Ladies and Gentleman
First
and foremost, I wish to present my heartiest congratulations to all
graduates. Today, we are together to
recognise and celebrate the successful completion of your studies at AEA
Training Centre.
I shall also seize this opportunity
to remind you graduates that learning doesn’t stop here. Success is a journey and not a
destination. Receiving certificates,
diplomas, or degrees today does not signal an end to learning, but a step in a
continuous process. I often state that
what you do and how you do it after graduation will determine your success in
life.
As
well stated by the famous American educationist, John Dewey,
‘’ Education is a social process.
Education is not a preparation for life, education is life itself.’’
It
is with this spirit that my Ministry has undertaken so many initiatives. Our
Prime Minister introduced free transport for students, which is a huge
contribution to the education sector. Under his leadership, we have set up two
new universities – Open University and Universite des Mascareignes and are now
constructing three campus buildings which would allow us to decentralise and
widen access to higher education. From 16,735 students in higher education in the year 2000
we have reached 49,625 in 2012, which means that more young people
have the opportunity to study at tertiary level.
For
the first time, an IIT like institution will be set up in Mauritius with the
support of IIT Delhi and the Government of India. We have established
collaboration with well-known and high standard universities such as University
of Geneva, Imperial College, University of Aberdeen, George Washington
University, Delaware university and several European institutions such as
ESSEC, ESCP, Science Po are operating here.
While
we are expanding the higher education sector, it is important for us to keep
improving quality. We have faced some problems with some institutions and
Government is having a team from the UK Quality Assurance Agency to
professionally review our tertiary education sector. I shall soon come up with the Tertiary
Education Bill to provide benchmarks for quality, and to strengthen the
regulatory framework.
Earlier
this year, regulations were introduced to prohibit misleading advertisements by
tertiary education institutions and the Tertiary Education Commission Act has
been amended to bring the penalties for any offenceup toRs 1 million.
Private
education institutions should make additional efforts to improve their
infrastructure and facilities and teaching and learning facilities. I
understand that AEA is working with UNISA and the University of Southern
Queensland of Australia. I would like to emphasise on the need for private
institutions to ensure compliance with the set rules and regulations and
develop their own quality assurance mechanisms.
Dear
graduates, while pursuing higher studies, you should also develop an innovative
spirit , bring new ideas and projects. It is also important for you to read, to
document yourself about other issues than your textbooks. A broader knowledge
base will help you in your career later and your day to day life. It is also
important to develop other skills such as communication, presentation and
personal development which are all critical when you apply for jobs and enter
the world of work.
With these words, I wish good luck
to all our graduates., My hope is to see you grow into accomplished young
citizens adults with a heart and vision for a prosperous Mauritius and the
world.
As
quoted by the Legendary Nelson Mandela,
‘Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change the world.’
I
wish you all the best for a bright future.
Thank
you and congratulations once again.
