TIS turns its sights towards youths   |22 August 2023

Mr Chetty addressing the young delegates (Photos: Laura Pillay)

The Transparency Initiative Seychelles is hoping to inspire future leaders and change makers, through its Youth for Integrity training programme.

The five-day training, the first of its kind, kicked off yesterday morning, with a group of 25 S4-level students from various schools.

As explained by chairperson of Transparency Initiative Seychelles (TIS), Chrystold Chetty, the aim of the programme is to equip the students with the knowledge to enhance their understanding of ethical decision-making and leadership, whilst also encouraging discussions on current issues related to integrity and social change.

"You should remember that even at your age, your voice matters," Mr Chetty said, noting that the programme also presents the students with the chance to share thoughts and ideas on how to tackle real-world challenges.

Over the course of the five days, the students will have an opportunity to explore a number of topics, as well as interact with experts and leaders in various fields.

Sessions have been designed to allow them to gain deeper insight into transparency and accountability, human rights and freedom of expression, right to access to information, social media guidelines, mental health and diplomatic relations.

Additionally, they will get to learn about the role of institutions including the National Assembly, the judiciary, the ombudsman, and the attorney general within the legal justice system, as well as how they can contribute towards the economy.

Isla Tamatave from the International School Seychelles (ISS) joined the programme to learn about integrity and its importance, in a bid to be a better example to other youths.

Similarly, Dane Hypolite from Persévérance secondary school said he sees the training as an opportunity to meet other like-minded youths, and to further his knowledge about human rights, among other pertinent topics.

To keep the students engaged, a number of activities and games have been incorporated into the sessions, coupled with exercises that revolve around digital technology and social media.

Consultant with the TIS, Cheryl Dine noted that the training has been financed under the National Grants Scheme, and TIS hopes to be able to bring it to many more youths in future.

"It is important to target the youths aged 14 to 16 years old as they are at the point where they are choosing their careers. If they are able to access this information early on, this may influence their decision, and they will already have the information when they eventually start work," Ms Dine concluded.

Laura Pillay