Port Glaud pupils celebrate animals worldwide through their ‘Animal Day Activity’ |17 November 2023

How much do you know about animals? That was the question that pupils from the Port Glaud primary school had to showcase last week during their animal day activity at the school.

Animals from around the world were on display, with a five-minute presentation about each.

Those found locally were present on site as the pupils had taken their pets to schools to show them off. Students, teachers and parents could see guinea pigs, tortoises, dogs, rabbits, goose, guinea fowl, quails and goats.

For those not found in Seychelles, children had prepared their models or designed and created their animal costumes, which they were sporting for the day.

According to the coordinator and subject leader for social science and maths, Odile Etienne, the activity was planned for World Animal Day on October 4, but had to be postponed as there were various other activities scheduled during October including mock exams and the Creole festival.

“We always mark other theme days such as Francophonie, Commonwealth but never this one. So we thought it would be nice to sensitise our pupils about animals around the world, where they get to learn about the various animals,” said Mrs Etienne.

It should be noted that the live animals piqued the pupils’ interests, with many of them not erring too far from the cages.

She commended the pupils who had put a lot of effort into their research and presentation. “It was about educating them about the animals as well as show their appreciation for all animals, and not only the domestic ones they are used to in Seychelles,” explained Mrs Etienne.

The event also saw a creative snacks competition, where pupils and their parents had prepared and displayed various snacks made out of fruits, vegetables and biscuits, among others. The colourful dishes were judged by a panel and rewarded.

Following the success of this year’s World Animal Day, the school is considering having a second one next year, but on a bigger scale, according to Mrs Etienne.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the Animal Day activity at Port Glaud school.

Patsy Canaya

Photos: Contributed