“Family should be a synonym for trust, comfort, love, care, joy and a sense of belonging. Think of the school as a family where we care for each other and help each other grow in both our education and personal development.”

This was the message of head teacher Michael Antoine to students of Praslin secondary school on this year’s Children’s Day (June 1). This is in line with this year’s celebratory theme ‘Mon Fanmir, Mon Leker’.

Mr Antoine shared this in a special ceremony organised for the occasion.

A variety of songs, reflections, dance and a fashion show were on schedule, performed by both teachers and students.

The ceremony, attended by several parents and other stakeholders, was animated by Island Youth Band.

Mr Antoine called on all of those present to get more involved and do their part in the students’ development.

“If the school is a family, then let us pledge to systematically create a school climate that is integral to the success of students and where the environment is inclusive, compassionate and bully-free.

“Students, it is your responsibility to develop a positive attitude towards your family and your studies. A family is an institution of peace and harmony. Remember to honour your parents as this is one of the greatest commandments,” Mr Antoine said.

The school’s athletics team who will be competing in the upcoming National School’s Championship was officially presented to the school community.

19 young students were also awarded their Bronze Award in the ceremony by Deborah Fanchette, Award coordinator. They are Alessandro Ally, Jeaden Bastienne, Eisha Bellard, Jahnila Brioche, Zara Brioche, Chelsea Cafrine, Aurelle Cédras, Wayne Esther, Gäelle Jeanne, Johan Jeanne, Alvin Marie, Dyran Matombé, Karym Port Louis, Thomas Rachel, Fedrah Rose, Sharona Stravens, Ella Tirant, Norifa Victor, Keisha Zoé.

On behalf of all the awardees, Karym Port Louis thanked their parents, the school management and staff and award leaders for their support.

He also called on other students to join the programme.

“In any nation, the youth is the future. Seychelles, our motherland, sorely needs young people with responsibility, commitment, dedication and the will to succeed. That is why the development of our potential is a top priority in our country. If there is one practical way to develop this huge reservoir of talent, it is none other than ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme’. It challenges young people to discover their purpose and develop their character. So why not join us?”

The ceremony was also the ideal occasion for the launch of the Unique Foundation’s series of posters. These are expected to be launched in all schools nationally, starting with the inner island schools.

“These posters aim to display the talents and skills of school aged children. Pictures are accompanied by positive messages to motivate the children to develop holistically, make the parents feel proud of their efforts in supporting their children and make the community realise how much the youth have to offer and why it is important to encourage them towards positive youth development instead of negativity. CARE (Committee for Awareness, Resilience & Education) against substance abuse has also collaborated with us on the posters,” Farida Camille, founder and chairperson of the foundation, expressed.

Unique Foundation’s band, the Island Youth Band, launched its new song entitled ‘Lev avek Lespwar’. The song aims to instill positivity and a sense of taking ownership of one’s destiny and choices among the youth.

Island Youth Band was founded in 2017 when Unique Foundation launched its activities to encourage positive youth development. With the help of the Children’s Fund, musical instruments were purchased and a group of students who were already interested in music banded together after Rosemarie Barra from Praslin secondary school introduced the idea of a band to them. Bertin Telemaque, a member of Unique Foundation and well known musician from the Island Vibration Band, has been mentoring the band since then and over the years many young musicians from Praslin have been produced by the band.

Unique Foundation seized the opportunity to reward several individuals who have played a remarkable role in the band’s existence and that includes Bertin Telemaque himself, Rosemarie Barra, the liaison person between the foundation and the school and Curtis Cedras of secondary five, the main composer and a founding member who is always ready to take the lead.

Norra Philoe, the parent of Norisha Philoe, one of the founding members of Island Youth Band, shared her testimony of how the band had a positive impact on her daughter and allowed her to develop her skills and also in her studies. Today, Norisha is a member of the National Choir and is grateful to the support that the band has granted her.

“Island Youth Band’s motto is to see more children come forward to develop their talents or potentials and to stay away from the negative influences that are out there. Island youth wishes to attract more members so that they can also ‘soar on wings like eagles’ as the motto of Unique Foundation says and we hope to be able achieve that and much more for our youth,” Ms Camille shared.

The event concluded with a fashion show and several song and dance performances by the students.

To note that no Children’s Day celebrations took place for the past 2 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the students thus made the most of this year’s celebrations.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the celebrations.

Source: Seychelles Nation