The Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) has honoured a group of individuals and foreign institutions for their benevolent acts in the country during 2020-2021.

The award recognition ceremony took place at the National Theatre, Mont Fleuri, yesterday evening.

Ibrahim Dodin, Joel Melanie and Shella Mohideen were the three individuals recognised for their voluntary contributions to the civil society.

Mr Dodin, a disabled person, does voluntary office work at Ceps office at Orion Mall while Mr Melanie runs for charity. Mrs Mohideen has been recognised for voluntarily helping Ceps in drafting its policies and strategic plans, including holding retreats and empowerment sessions organised by the platform. She was not present to collect her award.

The institutions recognised for their contributions to the country and the civil society were the French, Japanese and American embassies, as well as the European Union. Only a representative from the U.S embassy was present to collect the award on the embassy’s behalf.

Present at the ceremony were Ceps board members, members of the civil society and other distinguished guests.

The ceremony was in view of Ceps’ inability to hold the annual ‘Voluntary Ball’ due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“The award means a lot to me in terms of what I have contributed voluntarily. It will perhaps motivate me to do other voluntary projects but I want to dedicate it to all who have supported me during the three years that I have been doing my charity projects,” Mr Melanie said.

“It is an honour for me to have this award. I am very happy. Its shows that Ceps cares for other people,” Mr Dodin said.

In his opening address, Ceps’ vice-chairperson, Michel Pierre, said that the recognition award ceremony for the local volunteers was in commemoration of the World Voluntary Day on December 5,2021.

He stated that with added contributions from the volunteers, Ceps has contributed immensely in touching and improving the lives of many associated with HIV/Aids, domestic violence, people with impairment, the disabled, old citizens, self empowerment and awareness programmes etc.., including being involved in many projects related to the conservation and protection of the environment, among others.

He thanked the volunteers for their dedication, time and energy to make a difference in the lives of others.

“It’s not that we have to get home with a money envelope after we finish doing voluntary work, it’s not the case. It’s the satisfaction and the joy in our hearts that counts for us, knowing that we have made a difference in making one of our citizens in the community happy,” Mr Melanie said.

He thanked all partners and sponsors, local and international, who are working with Ceps to make a difference in the society by sponsoring its activities and also called on government to continue supporting and promoting voluntary initiatives in the country.

During the ceremony, the Emergency Crew dance group along with a group of young dancers they have been mentoring for the past six months at Ceps’ conference room, staged a dance performance for the audience.

Male dancers Hezron Louise and Dynod Brigilia and female dancers Kiarah Berlouis and Julie Jean were recognised for their punctuality, discipline and performance during training sessions.

Source: Seychelles Nation