Encouraging the infusion of culture in education |26 November 2021

Mayor Andre hands over the materials to PS de Commarmond (Photo: Jude Morel)

Education is not just a matter of learning languages, mathematics and sciences, but it also involves artistic and cultural elements, which other than turning learners into responsible citizens, complement their understanding of their day-to-day living environment, Mayor of Victoria David Andre has said.

Mr Andre was speaking shortly before presenting principal secretary for education Dr Odile de Commarmond with a batch of cultural materials which will go towards the primary and secondary schools’ libraries for reference and documentation purposes.

The materials include five heritage videos, including ‘The making of Traditional Stove, The making of Watering Can, The Cinamon Lady, The Traditional Fish Trap and the Bamboo Basket.

There were also three publications, including The Million Petalled Flowers of Being Here (paintings, sculptures and photography – by Martin Kennedy), En Tapi Pyeste (15 short stories – by Robert Mondon), and A Cartoon History of Seychelles (volume one and two – by Peter Lalande), all fully sponsored through the National Arts and Culture Fund (NACF).

Mr Andre said culture occupies an important place in the life of each individual and with the growing worldwide influence, it is important to inculcate the values of culture into our children at a very young age to prevent them from losing their cultural identity as adults.

He explained that since we are a small nation with a vast cultural diversity, we are very vulnerable in terms of getting carried away by external influences.

Mr Andre also noted that the donation and drive is in line with the policy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) which is encouraging the infusion of culture in education.

Receiving the materials, PS Decommarmond said it has come at an opportune time, especially with the plan to review the national school curriculum, particularly for social sciences where various element of culture will be included.

She also explained that despite the various culture-related clubs at school level, the ministry feels that it is still not enough since not everyone forms part of a club. 

Roland Duval