Winners of blue economy competition rewarded |08 November 2022
The winners in a souvenir photograph with Minister Ferrari and other guests (Photo: Joena Meme)
The blue economy department yesterday rewarded the winners of its ‘My Blue Economy Perspective’ poster competition, launched for school students across three categories.
Nine winners were presented with a certificate, trophy and prizes, including one winner of the special mention award in each category.
The poster competition was initiated as it was identified during education and sensitisation sessions within schools that students had limited knowledge and understanding of the blue economy. As such, the competition was a means of allowing students to broaden their views and perspectives of the blue economy through creative thinking, while also communicating a strong message.
All 12 of the winning posters are to be featured in the department’s 2023 calendar.
Anila Gonthier of Beau Vallon primary school claimed first prize in the first category applying to competitors from primary 5 and primary 6, while Leah Labrosse, also from Beau Vallon primary school, won second prize. The third prize went to Javani Visvanathan from International School Seychelles, and the special mention award went to Pablo Govinden of Independent School.
Anila notes that her poster is about investing in the ocean for the benefit of future generations, an art piece which took her about a week to complete.
The second category which was open for students of secondary 1 to secondary 5, was won by Kirt Pool from Grand Anse Praslin secondary whose poster depicts a map of Seychelles and the various opportunities and activities within the sector.
“I knew a bit about the blue economy since we have visited certain blue economy facilities with the school, and the visit was very interesting. I want to encourage everyone to protect our seas, as it is one of our valuable treasures and offers us so much,” Kirt stated.
Valerie Lesperance of Beau Vallon secondary school clinched second prize in the category, while Ellie Mazorchi from Belonie secondary school was presented the third prize. Ashlee Confiance from Anse Royale secondary school was the special mention awardee in the category.
The competition was also open to students of professional centres, and saw Caleb Simeon from the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) claiming first prize, followed by Angela Marzochi in second place, and Aaliah Dugasse in third, both from the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD). The special mention prize went to Joshua Nourrice, also of SIAD.
As per pincipal programme development officer at the blue economy department, Terrence Crea, the competition is but one of the events organised as a means of engaging the youths and fostering yet more interest in the sector.
“Contrary to what we were thinking when we launched the competition, and at the same time it depends on which schools, but the kids do have a level of knowledge on the blue economy. While this is still minimal at primary level, older categories are more knowledgeable, and have more technical knowledge on the sector,” Mr Crea noted.
Designated Minister and Minister for Fisheries & the Blue Economy, Jean-François Ferrari, congratulated the students on their participation, and called on them to become ambassadors for the blue economy.
The competition was officially launched in early September, and students had up until October 24 to submit their posters.
Sponsors for the competition include the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), Development Bank of Seychelles (DBS), James Michel Foundation, Danny Faure Foundation and Cable & Wireless Seychelles.
Laura Pillay