SNYC launches new website and youth brigade programme |09 March 2024
PS Jean-Louis and the designer of the avatar Denisha Quatre
The Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) has unveiled its new website and introduced its ‘Youth Brigade’ voluntary programme.
The new initiatives announced last Thursday at the SNYC’s headquarters in Sacos Tower, Victoria, were part of the council’s 26th anniversary celebrations.
The event was held in the presence of the principal secretary for Youth and Sports, Ralph Jean-Louis; chief executive of SNYC Albert Duncan; principal programme officer - Section Engagement and Support, Simon Barra; along with some youth representatives.
The highlight of the event was the debut of a dynamic new website, which according to SNYC is designed to serve as a comprehensive platform for youth interaction, information sharing and community engagement.
With an innovative blend of user-friendly features, including an interactive avatar and cutting-edge AI technology, the website promises to revolutionise the way young individuals connect and collaborate online, said the council.
When addressing the guests, Mr Duncan said he was very proud to say their website has Artificial Intelligence (AI) which allows it to be more interactive.
“This website will aid SNYC to better collect information from the youth that could facilitate us when organising programmes, to make them more personalised and attractive,” he said.
It is also said to contain an avatar which is like a chat box where young people can ask questions, which will be answered by the avatar.
The avatar was designed by a young girl, Denisha Quatre. It was chosen because of its portrayal of Seychelles’ culture and environment awareness, which SNYC felt reflected its agenda.
In an interview with Seychelles NATION Denisha explained the inspiration behind her avatar. “I decided to choose a Seychellois bird to represent the SNYC avatar, more specifically the Seychelles Paradise Fly-catcher,” said Denisha.
She added that the colour of the bird was simply driven by the aim of making the avatar more attractive to users.
Denisha said she was shocked and very happy when she found out that she was the chosen artist and was very proud of herself.
SNYC has now launched another competition, this time to allow the participants to name the avatar.
The new website can be viewed at www.snyc.info
As for the Youth Force voluntary programme, it is an initiative set to empower young people to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteering and community service.
The programme focuses on fostering leadership skills, promoting civic engagement, and driving social change. Youth Force represents a significant step forward in SNYC's mission to support and uplift the youth population.
When elaborating on the programme, Mr Barra said “one of the objectives for this programme is to cultivate the culture volunteering in the community”.
He added it could also help participants to develop a career and be able to engage in the community in the future.
Kassey Govinden
Photos by Kurtrine Albert
