Children’s photographs and artwork boost NCC’s ‘Encouragement’ theme |18 August 2018

Photos and artwork of children aged between 6 to 16 years depicting the theme ‘Encouragement’ will soon be on display on billboards throughout the country.

This follows a call for such creative work through a competition launched by the National Council for Children (NCC) for all schools in Seychelles.

“We are happy that there have been so many artistic works received for this competition and this is a sure sign that our call for encouragement is bearing fruit as parents, schools and communities are pushing children to participate in this sort of activity,” NCC’s chief executive Jean-Claude Matombe said during a ceremony held recently at Bel Eau to reward the winners.

Altogether, there were three categories -- 6 – 10 years, 10 – 14 years and 14 to 16 years in both artwork and photography.

“We received over 250 different creative works from a dozen or so schools which is quite a good turnout,” added Mr Matombe.

The activity has been jointly supported by Vijay Construction, Pool and Patel and JOUEL and recipients received gifts from representatives of the sponsors for their creativity.

Professional artists such as Roy Stravens, Peter Lalande, James Auguste and Bartholomew Bibi also came on board not only as judges for the competition but also through basic art workshops which was aimed at giving students the skills and ideas on how to depict the ‘Encouragement’ theme.

Out of the 9 winners in the different categories for photography, Abinaya Pillay from the Independent School clinched all the prizes for the age group of 14 to 16 years old.

“I was overjoyed and a bit surprised as well,” said a delighted Ms Pillay.

Yves Jumaye from Bel Ombre also took home the first prize in both art and photography for the age group 10 to 14 years.

“I am looking forward to seeing my photos in the streets and hope people will look at it…,” said the overjoyed student.

Other happy photographers and winners in their age groups included Chris Francourt from La Rosière in the category of 6 to 10 years.

In artwork, drawings of Gioria Derosa of Anse Etoile, Yves Jumaye of Bel ombre and Alexandria Loze of Belonie schools also clinched first place in their respective age groups.

The NCC uses billboards as one of its main means of promoting its cause and hopes the positive messages depicted by the photographs and artwork will lift the spirits of passers-by and visitors on Mahé and Praslin.