Museum educational programme for 2023 officially launched |13 February 2023
Ms Ondiek addressing the gathering during the launch ceremony on Friday
Once again, the National Museum of History has come up with an exciting programme for the year.
Last Friday, the director of the National Museum of History, Beryl Ondiek, launched the ‘Museum educational programme 2023’.
Ms Ondiek added that two special programmes will be done this year: Public speaking with the theme ‘Our heritage’ and a poetry competition in collaboration with the Bling Bling association.
Nicole Barreau, assistant museum curator, explained that to achieve the museum’s mission it is important to have in place an education and outreach programme. “It makes up for the decline in visits at the museum, it helps to develop a positive relationship between both the community and the museum. It also allows student to develop their learning skills,” said Ms Barreau.
She noted that the programmes can accommodate students with special needs, adding that they impact and enhance learning through enjoyment and entertainment.”
Ms Barreau added that the educational programme also gives the community the opportunity to value and appreciate the cultural and natural heritage of our country.
‘Museum in a box’
One of the projects that will continue this year is ‘Museum in a box’. Ms Barreau shared that this is a programme conducted by staff of the National Museum of History to bring physical museum objects closer to the audiences. The museum objects are placed in a box and we travel with them outside the museum walls.
What are the benefits of ‘Museum in a box’? It provides exciting hands on and mind on lessons; provides teachers with support for their lessons and it brings the museum closer to the people.
The plan in February is to go to the Anse Royale old people’s home; in March to the Seychelles Tourism Academy; in June to the Pointe Larue old people’s home; in July to Anse Royale primary school, in October to La Digue and Praslin schools and in November to Mont Fleuri primary school.
Another exciting activity will be the 2023 symposium with the theme ‘Endemic Plants of Seychelles: What are they? And how Seychellois can conserve them’ which will be held on June 5.
The aims of the symposium are to introduce some endemic plants that the national herbarium section has done research on; educate the school children and teachers about the endemic plants; enable the public to differentiate between the endemic and introduced species; raise awareness of how to protect the ones that are vulnerable; discuss about the different challenges that conservationists are facing in protecting the endemic plants of Seychelles and learn of the different educational work that museums, local organisations and non-governmental organisations are doing with children/schools to protect and increase the population of endemic plants in Seychelles.
The 2023 debate will have the theme ‘Waste in Seychelles through the eyes of the museum’ and will be held on September 11 at the National Museum of History, Victoria. The aims of the debate are to talk publicly on the issue of waste in the country; what are the different work being done? What do we lack? What needs to be done? Listen to the views of the people present; the difficulties people or the agents are facing and, in the end, direct the proposition to the ministry or agency responsible.
April 2023 holiday activities
Monday April 24, 2023: 9am to 1pm ‒ Outdoor activities ‒ visiting the coral restoration project at the Fisherman's Cove hotel
Wednesday April 26, 2023: 9am to 2pm ‒ Outdoor activities ‒ restoration work at the Tea Tavern trail to help eradicate the invasive plants growing there.
Friday April 28, 2023: 9am to 12pm ‒ Evaluation work, evaluation of the two previous activities and artwork / quiz.
Wednesday May 3, 2023: 9am to 12pm ‒Outdoor activities ‒ tree-planting with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority to help reduce carbon footprint in Seychelles.
Friday May 5, 2023: 9am to 2pm ‒ Outdoor Activity ‒ river exploration with ‘Little Explorer Group’ (Doctor Elvina Henriette). Explore the designated river to identify the plants and animals in this particular habitat.
Monday May 8, 2023: 9am to 12pm ‒ Talk with the Seychelles Meteorological Authority to learn about the weather / climate change and also how it is affecting Seychelles.
Wednesday May 10, 2023: Whole day – Outdoor activity: Tree planting with Trass on Mahé to help reduce carbon footprint in Seychelles.
Friday May 12, 2023: 9am to 12pm ‒ Evaluation work ‒ Evaluation of previous activities: artwork / quiz.
August 2023 holidays activities
Monday August 14, 2023: 9am to 2pm ‒ Outdoor activity – Visit to Jardin Du Roi and learn about the different spices and other plants that have been planted there.
Wednesday August 16, 2023: 9am to 2pm – Outdoor activity ‒ Planting of mangroves at a designated area with ‘Little Explorer Group’ (Dr Elvina Henriette) to help in the protection of the coastline.
Friday August 18, 2023: 9am to 1pm ‒ Outdoor activity ‒ Visit to bird sanctuary (Nature Seychelles)to learn about Nature Seychelles and the species of birds that are found at the sanctuary. What are being done to protect them?
Monday August 21, 2023: 9am to 2.30pm - Outdoor activity - Beach clean-up at Baie Ternay with Wise Ocean / Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority to help in keeping the Baie Ternay beach clean.
Wednesday August 23, 2023: 9am to 2pm – Outdoor activity ‒ Activity with the senior citizens at an old people’s home to exchange knowledge in regards to the natural history of Seychelles
Friday August 25, 2023: 9am to 2pm – Outdoor activity ‒ Nature trail at Copolia to learn about the biodiversity on the trail.
Monday August 28, 2023: 9am to 12pm ‒ Presentation on Black Parrot and learn more about this species.
Wednesday August 30, 2023: 9am to 2pm ‒ Outdoor activity ‒ Visit to Val d’Andorre wetland to learn about the different species that are found around a wetland and how to protect them.
Friday September 1, 2023: 9am to 12pm: Evaluation work of previous activities and artwork.
Monday September 4, 2023: 9am to 3pm ‒ Outdoor activity with Island Conservation Society.
Wednesday September 6: 9am to 12pm ‒ Presentation on giant tortoises and Aldabra to learn about the world heritage site and the giant tortoise.
Friday September 8: 9am to 12pm: Evaluation work to finalise the artwork for the end of year exhibition and prize-giving ceremony.
Museum clubs
Museum assistant Stephanie Sauzier has explained that the the aim of the museum club programme is to help the participants value and respect the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of their country and take positive actions to conserve our heritage. All activities are held during school holidays and are free. The programme also entails the celebration of national and international days related to the museum.
The programme is designed to accommodate participants aged between 7 to 16 years old. It includes visits to cultural sites, art work and other educational activities based on environment sites.
At the end of the year, an exhibition will be held to showcase the works the participants have done during the year. It is compulsory for all participants registered to the museum club programme to take part in all evaluation work. The best artworks are rewarded and they contribute towards the end-of-year exhibition.
Ms Ondiek thanked all the stakeholders who contribute towards the success of the museum club programmes and invites all schools to make the best of the opportunities.
Vidya Gappy
Photos: Louis Toussaint
