Seychelles: A Promise Kept?

Highway Africa News Agency

The government of Seychelles shows its commitment to the use of ICTs in education despite simmering opposition to its tendering procedures. The first consignment of subsidized laptops promised to Seychellois teachers earlier this year was delivered this week. The 1500 Inspiron 1501 and 6400 Dell laptop computers are selling at only 25% of the local market price in order to popularise the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education.
The scheme initiated by President James Michel, during the recent parliamentary election campaign provoked controversies, with critics questioning its tender procedures, the implication of some high government officials behind the sale and the availability of foreign exchange to finance the purchase. The minister of Education Bernard Shamlaye defended the scheme saying the teachers' positive response is proof of its popularity. He added that he was happy with the teachers' response to make themselves available for an opportunity. "In making it possible and affordable for teachers to acquire personal computers, the government is acknowledging the important work that teachers do," says the minister. The Dell's Regional Manager for Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, Philippe Cahez, who was in the country to attend the handing over ceremony, described his company's partnership with Seychelles as the "beginning of a story which will continue in the months to come."