President James Michel of Seychelles has praised the UAE government for its support of the education sector in his country.

"The friendly nation of the UAE has contributed to the construction of many schools, kindergartens and scientific libraries to support this sector which is essential for the future of the nation," said President Michel in a statement released on the occasion of his country's 11-year celebrations of implementing a compulsory education law.

He said that implementing the law had a spectacular effect on reducing the number of school dropouts, opened up educational opportunities to the people of Seychelles which in turn helped them adapt a decent lifestyle and gain better opportunities.

"Seychelles is considered a top African community when it comes to education, the entire population are entitled to pursue their education, hence, everyone has a proper life today and is fairly connected to the world, which in turn promotes the image of our beloved country worldwide," the president said.

He noted that the government has provided over the past eleven years, all the right conditions to help families in remote areas to send their children to schools and continue their education.

"Investment in education is an investment in the future, ensuring the education of our youngsters is a vertical backbone of the development process in our country, in addition to progress and prosperity. Without education we will reach nothing," stressed Mr. Michel.

He pointed out that despite the decline in financial and economic resources over the past years, the government applied a compulsory education law, as they highly believed that education is a right for every citizen in Seychelles, and should be provided free of charge for everyone. "It is mandatory for each citizen aged six years, to follow their educational until high school," he explained.

President Michel went on to say that the move, which entered its 11th consecutive year, has contributed to the reduction of illiteracy and ignorance, raised the number of graduates from all schools, colleges and universities, therefore qualified workforce was created to fill in vital sectors such as tourism, services and manufacturing, technical and planning.

The president also vowed that his government will never stop building more schools, colleges and universities, and will also sponsor many students to study abroad.