Workshop sparks youth empowerment and community development in Seychelles |17 August 2023
In a concerted effort to fortify youth programmes and enhance community engagement, the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) joined hands with the Local Government department for an impactful collaborative workshop.
Held as a part of the vibrant youth festival activities, the workshop took place at the Seychelles Trading Company’s (STC) conference room yesterday morning.
The chief executive of SNYC, Albert Duncan, underscored the significance of this workshop within the broader context of the youth festival. He emphasised that productive discussions were on the horizon, aiming to strengthen the synergy between the local government and SNYC.
“Our overarching goal is to enhance our collaborative efforts. Through improved understanding of each other's roles, both entities can better serve the communities and regions we engage with. This collaboration will undoubtedly shape the future of our youth,” he stated.
Mr Duncan asserted the shared responsibility of SNYC and the Local Government to fulfill the aspirations of the youth.
“Our duty extends to providing the youth with the desired programmes and activities,” he said. Moreover, he elucidated a secondary objective of the workshop: comprehending the new ‘For the youth, by the youth’ strategy. He emphasised the need to focus entirely on current challenges and prospects, leaving behind outdated mindsets.
He concluded by expressing optimism that the workshop's outcomes would formulate a comprehensive plan, ready to be executed at regional, community, and national levels.
In her presentation, Lyanne Aristide, SNYC’s research officer, provided a comprehensive overview of the council’s operations.
She traced the organisation's journey and expounded on its visionary goal: empowering youth across all communities through effective youth work, enabling them to not only realise their potential but also contribute positively to society.
“Our intention is to equip them with the necessary tools, while fostering a sense of responsibility and active community engagement,” Ms Aristide stressed.
She detailed SNYC’s mission to advocate for youths collectively, fostering leadership, influence, and capacity to yield better outcomes.
She also highlighted SNYC's shift since 2020 towards empowerment and capacity building, outlining key goals including the establishment of a youth council to facilitate community-level participation.
“Our vision envisions SNYC stepping back, empowering youth to lead themselves,” she articulated.
The organisation also aims to establish pathways for youth-led organisations and NGOs, aligned with international and national trends.
A national platform for adolescent and youth advocacy is in the works, alongside considerations for an advisory committee comprising youth allies and health organisations, providing strategic guidance and financial oversight.
Ms Aristide justified these measures in response to the abolition of the SNYC board, ensuring robust oversight and creative input.
Turning the spotlight to the Local Government, Denise Clarisse, director general for Community Affairs, illuminated its operations and objectives.
Highlighting the necessity for synchronised progress, she affirmed the Local Government's commitment to community development.
“Our role involves fostering a conducive environment for resident-driven development and facilitating effective communication between the residents and the government,” Mrs Clarisse explained.
She emphasised the ministry's mission of promoting a participatory government system while addressing language diversity.
“To bridge the language gap, we translate our missions and goals into Creole, ensuring wider accessibility,” she noted.
The overarching mission revolves around nurturing an efficient government system and fostering sustainable community development.
The ministry's core values – integrity, collaboration, leadership, innovation, diversification, commitment, empathy, empowerment, and excellence – form the guiding principles for their operations. An addition to the ministry in 2022, the Support Services division assumes the responsibility of managing infrastructural needs.
The collaborative workshop marked a pivotal step towards aligning the efforts of SNYC and the Local Government, forging a path of youth empowerment and holistic community development in Seychelles.
Sunny Esparon
