SNYA session |10 February 2020

The SNYA during its sixth sitting on Saturday (Photo: Thomas Meriton)

Motions about better-defined laws on capital punishment, sustainable oceans and youth employment approved

The 16th cohort of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly held its sixth sitting session on Saturday in which three motions were unanimously approved.

The first motion, forwarded by Jean-Luc Adrienne, the member for Anse Etoile, proposed that government, the National Assembly and all other concerned departments profoundly consider children’s rights and responsibilities while revising the law on corporal punishment.

During his intervention, Honourable Adrienne noted the need to eliminate the confusion that currently exists between children’s, parents’ and caretakers’ rights, most notably when it comes to capital punishment.

He acknowledged that children should not be physically abused but that it is still necessary for parents and caregivers to instil discipline in children from a young age, so as to ensure they grow up to be responsible individuals and citizens.

“We recognise that there are activities that are being carried out but where is the visibility on social media and from important institutions so they can have a positive impact on the youths? There needs to be more emphasis on studies in schools and more work with parents and caregivers on the different techniques and practices that they can use to discipline children,” said Honourable Adrienne.

“It is important to note that there are some youths who are more problematic than others, and this demands a specialised centre where they can be mentored,” he said rounding up his intervention.

The motion was seconded by Ramakirah Gonthier who also proposed tangible solutions and that a national campaign be implemented where the limits or each child’s, parents’ or caregivers’ rights are well defined, awareness and practical session to show caretakers and children how to implement the law.

The second motion to be approved unanimously proposes to the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development and other partners to join forces to organise activities relating to sustainable oceans, so as to encourage youth engagement in this area. The motion was tabled by Annia Marengo.

Keisha Meriton in her intervention recounted Seychelles’ efforts in the blue economy and its status as a champion for the blue economy.

“The earlier a youth develops an understanding of the blue economy, the earlier they can become interested to become an advocate and promote sustainable activities and denounce activities and practices that are not considered sustainable or environmentally-friendly,” she said.

Honourable Meriton also proposed that the department of education incorporate the concept into the school curriculum to ensure that as many people are knowledgeable about the subject and to support other organisations that are working to promote and develop the blue economy.

The third motion to be approved is proposing to the Minister for Employment, Civil Status and Immigration to continuously monitor youths on the ‘My First Job programme’, so as to ensure that their contract or agreement are being properly adhered to, thus preventing abuse.

The 16th cohort of Seychelles National Youth Assembly (SNYA) is due to complete its mandate and will be sitting for its last session later during the month. The sitting is scheduled for Praslin on February 22.

SNYA is a non-political, educational programme which provides members with the opportunity to develop leadership, research and oratory skills. It provides youths with a forum of discussion on the important issues that affect not only young people, but society at large. SNYA members are from all districts of the country as well as secondary and post-secondary institutions and their role is to act as ambassadors and spokespersons for youths in their respective districts and educational institutions. SNYA was officially launched in July 2003.

Laura Pillay