International Men’s Day is dedicated to celebrate and raising awareness of the contribution men and boys make to their communities. At DSTI we took this day to have a little not-so-formal chat with the men in our division and let them know that we do value the role of the male figure in the division.

We have only three men working magic in STI and they are Mr. Estico, Mr. Joseph Raj, and Mr. Laporte. Each was asked 3 similar questions. Read their answers below to learn a little bit about them.

1) What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you as a man?

Being able to get married and have a family. As well as being able to progress in my studies. Having a vast scope of knowledge in the scientific field. But my best is that I’ve managed to build a strong family.

2) What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be a captain, a seafarer. In school, I was good in all the subjects but I chose to be a teacher instead. I eventually got stuck in more studying which is useful to me now.

3) What’s the favorite part of your current job?

In a leadership role, I love the fact that I’m able to inspire the team I lead and others to grow. I have oversight my team’s growth to become effective for the mandate to promote Science Technology and Innovation (STI). It is a great fulfillment to set up Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programs to sensitize and motivate the students who appreciate STEM as it is the ignition to the future socio-economic growth of our country, our region, and the world as a whole. From STEM, Seychelles is recognized in the world through the successes of Team Seychelles in the FIRST Global Robotics Competition.  This year they were ranked 38 out of 162 countries in the just concluded physical competition in Geneva, Switzerland. This was a greatly improved ranking compared to the last physical competition in 2019 in Dubai where they were ranked 121 out of 161. I was also, under my leadership, able to have young secondary school students launch a high-altitude balloon satellite into the beautiful skies of Seychelles, a first on the  African continent, in partnership with Space Kidz India. This team of students has set a world record in that category. I am satisfied that under the leadership of DSTI, the young Seychellois students are also highly ranked in the African Coding Challenge as well. I am greatly honored to have contributed to my country and served in all the capacities I was opportune to serve. Long live Seychelles.

1) What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you as a man?

The opportunity to be simple. The ability to live a simple stress-free life. Simple is good!

2) What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be a fisherman, but life diverted me from what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a real, professional fisherman. But now I do it as a hobby.

3) What’s the favorite part of your current job?

The people I work with. My current post is not challenging but I am happy to do so to help Seychelles.

1) What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you as a man?

Got married and got started with my own family, but I especially got married.

2) What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be a mechanical engineer and conduct research in material corrosion. Now I am focussing to complete my Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence.

3) What’s the favorite part of your current job?

My favorite part is to educate the Seychelles kids and to help them gain more knowledge in STEM.