Cascade pupils learn about ‘moutya’ |14 January 2023

Pupils from Cascade primary have taken part in a week-long ‘moutya’ workshop at the Domaine de Val des Pres, as part of their special holiday activities organised by the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.

During the five-day workshop hosted by Alain Jules, the children learned more about traditional based activities such as the history of ‘moutya’ dance, how to play the ‘moutya’ drum, playing traditional games, cooking and poetry sessions.

Mr Jules, who has also hosted similar workshops in Port Glaud and Perseverance, among others, since the beginning of the school holidays, said these sessions serve as an introduction to the traditional activities, which will continue throughout the year.

He expressed how the importance of ‘moutya’ has grown since its recognition by Unesco as it was added to its list of intangible heritage and there was an increasing need to teach the young generation.

“In the future we would hope to have certain groups from different districts which are dedicated to these activities and help us push ‘moutya’ further,” he said.

Mr Jules said his plan for this year is to organise an inter-school ‘moutya’ competition where school children will be judged for playing the drums, dancing and singing ‘moutya’ songs.

He explained that next year with the help of the Local Government department, they will be launching these activities after school hours in districts as well, and after every trimester, the group would showcase what they have learned.

And this would be done with traditional dances, food and games.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the workshop.

Diane Larame

Photos by Emma Ah-Kong