Local artisan designs unique craft work to mark 250 years of Seychelles |28 August 2020

President Faure and Mr Alphonse next to the latter’s commemorative craft work (Photo source: Office of the President)

Encouraged by President Danny Faure, Seychellois artisan Chanel Alphonse has designed a unique piece of craft work to commemorate 250 years since the first settlement in Seychelles.

He presented his work to President Faure at State House yesterday.

President Faure met Mr Alphonse in February this year, following the latter’s visit to State House as part of a delegation of the 8th SCCI Business Award Winners. A successful deaf artisan, Mr Alphonse received the SCCI Special Recognition Award for his ability to inspire others this year.

During their meeting in February, Mr Alphonse discussed his work with the President and his experiences as a local entrepreneur. President Faure encouraged him to produce a special design to mark the milestone commemoration of the 250th anniversary since the first settlement in Seychelles on August 27, 2020.

Chanel is a well known deaf artisan in Seychelles who works predominantly with coconut shells, tanmi and fibres and also creates sculptures.

He is a resident of Port Glaud and owns a small souvenir kiosk at the Port Glaud waterfall, and also works at the Rehabilitation Centre.

Mr Alphonse participates regularly in art exhibitions locally and was invited to participate in the Deaf Expo in India in 2018.

He is a member of the Deaf Association and also supports with carpentry work at the new centre for the deaf opening next month.

“I am very proud of my work. My dream is to become a teacher for deaf children in Seychelles, and I am starting my training very soon. Deaf children can become great artists! I am very proud and feel privileged to be making art for the 250th anniversary of Seychelles,” said Mr Alphonse.

Press release from the Office of the President