The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has successfully airlifted vital examination materials to over 21 locations, just days before the weeklong National High School Examinations are set to begin this Saturday.

This timely operation ensures that all children, even in hard-to-reach areas, can fully participate in the upcoming national exams.

At the request of the Ministry of Education, ATMIS Uganda and Burundi utility helicopters transported the exam materials from Mogadishu to four Federal Member States – Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Jubaland – as well as the Banadir region.

The SRCC and Head of ATMIS, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef emphasised the mission’s multifaceted role. “While our primary mandate is maintaining security, we acknowledge that true peace and stability are built on a foundation of education and human development. This support ensures that approximately 37,200 students across Somalia have equal access to education, regardless of their location, and will be prepared for future challenges and opportunities.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

President Isaias Afwerki sent a message of congratulations on behalf of the people and Government of Eritrea, as well as on his own behalf, to President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, for his re-election and inauguration for a second term as the President of the Republic of South Africa.

In his letter, President Isaias expressed his trust that the re-election of President Cyril Ramaphosa will further advance the economic development and technological progress in the Republic of South Africa and will enhance bilateral cooperation in the period ahead. President Isaias also wished good health to President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as peace and prosperity to the South African people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan has sent a message of condolences following the passing of music pioneer, Mr. Thomas Alexis.

“On behalf of the country and on my personal behalf, we convey our warmest thoughts of strength and courage during this time of bereavement to the wife, family and friends of Mr Thomas Alexis. Mr. Alexis was a Seychellois musical icon who has made immense contributions to the Seychelles music industry. He was not only a composer musician but in his professional career at the School of Music, as an instructor and head of the music programme, where he  passed on his musical  knowledge and undoubtly touched many lives. His legacy lives on as we remember him through the many songs he graced our nation with. He will be fondly remembered and songs like ‘Manman Mon manman’ will forever be part of his legacy and our culture. May his soul rest in peace.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

President Wavel Ramkalawan accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan were the guests of honour at the18th graduation ceremony for students who had successfully completed their studies at the School of Advanced Level Studies (SALS). The ceremony was hosted at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) yesterday afternoon.

The highlight of the ceremony was the awards presentation given to the top best academic performers, the best overall performers across the different subjects, the governing board award, the principal’s award and the President’s Cup. New this year are the aspiring teacher awards aimed at recognizing students who have performed well in the Aspiring Teacher program, in partnership with the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (SITE).

The President’s Cup was awarded to Daniel Bedier who has demonstrated consistency in all areas of his two- year studies. He is described as a great role model in terms of discipline and character and has been an active participant in the school‘s extracurricular activities. Known for being self-driven and enthusiastic in exploring new avenues in life, Daniel is an outstanding and well deserving winner.

George Razanajatovo received the Minister‘s Cup as the best overall performer. George also secured an award as one of the top three academic performers, with Ashlie Morel taking second place and Ammar Mohamed Muna coming in third. Razanajatovo was also awarded best performer in Computer Science alongside Jonathan Albest.

Twelve alumni won Best Performer awards in their respective cadre, including Biology, Geography, Computer Science, Literature in English, French, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Sociology. The Aspiring Teacher award recipient was Kella Philoe, whereas Leroy Asba secured the Governing Board Award, an award sponsored by the governing board of SALS for students who have shown great improvement throughout their studies.

A total of one hundred and twenty-one students graduated during the ceremony, having successfully attended and completed their respective courses.

In her address, Mrs. Elaine Larue, Principal of the School of Advanced level, challenged the new graduates to pursue their passions, seize opportunities that spark excitement and strive for excellence in all their endeavors. “Your studies at SALS open the door for you to become change agents and global citizens who take action, in a world of increasing complexity and significant challenges. Our nation’s progress depends on your willingness to return after your studies and to contribute to the society,” she stressed.

The Minister for Investment and Industry, Mrs. Devika Vidot, a proud SALS alumna, applauded the graduates’ commitment and achievements, urging them to stay focused and persistent in reaching their goals. She encouraged them to utilize their skills and knowledge for the benefit of the nation.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Education, Mr. Justin Valentin, the Minister for Investment and Entrepreneurship and Industry, Mrs. Devika Vidot, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Principal Secretaries, Members of the National Assembly, Members of the SALS Governing Board, the graduates‘ relatives, and SALS Management and Staff.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.