‘Stand Up Step Up’ association tackles social issues at Independent School workshop |18 December 2020

The workshop in full swing (Photo: Anel Robert)

Bullying, drugs, depression, sexually transmitted diseases, emotional baggage, counselling skills are just some of the topics discussed at the Stand Up Step Up Seychelles association’s workshop held at the Independent School from December 14-16.

Trevor Louise, the chairman of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Stand Up Step Up Seychelles, has decided to organise this workshop with the main goal of encouraging young adolescents to seek help from their peers in an effort to help cope with at home issues, depression, anxiety, school problems and any social issues they have problems coping with themselves.

This event had the generous participation of 30 Independent School students ranging from the ages of 12-16 years old. Experts in different fields of specialty also gave talks to the youngsters about anything they show interest or concern in.

“We want to give the children the tools and the knowledge to solve any problem or obstacle they may face in their lives, and to encourage them to seek help from their friends or local guidance counsellor,” said Independent School guidance counsellor Naomie Vidot who was helping Mr Louise with the workshop.

Another aim of the programme was to educate the children about different social topics that are vital for them to know at their age such as teenage pregnancy, under-aged drinking and smoking, drug usage and its effects, sex and teenage relationships, and many other issues and subjects that would be of use to them.

According to Mr Louise, the children were polite, intelligent and well behaved. They believe that it will be a good idea to meet new children by expanding this programme to a more national level which could include different schools and different children.

At the end of the three-day workshop on Wednesday, the parents and school directors were invited to attend a presentation by the students after which the students received their certificates.

Joshua Marie