Samuel Morel – A role model |12 January 2024
Being rewarded by President Ramkalawan on his achievement in handisport
The story of an inspiring deaf achiever
Last year, we witnessed the rise of Samuel Morel, a young and talented hearing impaired Seychellois. Aged 17, Samuel had not only secured the prestigious Deaf of the Year Award but also clinched a bronze medal at the Indian Ocean Games in Madagascar. This dashing young man is set to represent Seychelles in the MR Deaf world in Prague, come July 2024.
Samuel is the youngest in the family, and lives with his mum and two sisters in Perseverance, and his loving best friend, ‘Solly’ the dog. He is passionate about art and dance and enjoys acting, outdoor activities, cooking and gardening. His favorite dish is ‘chapatis’ with curry.
Samuel's journey began without any apparent abnormalities. His mother, Doris Freminot, recalled the shocking moment when the doctor discovered that her son was deaf.
“He was only three years old when the doctor discovered that my child was deaf. His childhood was a very difficult one; at home we had to understand him and give him special attention because he was different. As a single mother it was tough and difficult.”
Ms Freminot also shared another difficult moment in their lives: “It was when Samuel joined mainstream school in Mont Fleuri. The adaptation was very difficult for him. But with the help of his class teachers, Samuel showed great interest in what he was learning at school. All teachers were keen about him and would not mind spending time explaining things to him.”
Ms Freminot still remembers the day following an activity at school when one of Samuel’s teachers offered him a framed photo of himself with the words “shoot for the moon, even if you miss it, you will land among the stars”. This came to be true!
Meeting Anita Gardner, the chairperson of the Association of People with Hearing Impairment (Aphi), opened a new chapter for Samuel and his mother. “When I met Mrs Gardner, I was able to share all my feelings as a mum of a deaf child; she listened and encouraged me to send Samuel to the School for the Deaf. From then on Samuel became a different child. He enjoyed going to school every day. I tried my best to follow sign language training to be able to communicate better. I was continuously being encouraged by Mrs Gardner throughout the years,” she shared.
Various achievements
Samuel participated in a few arts competitions at school level. It was when he turned 15 that his talent really started to show. Thanks to arts teacher Noella Ernesta of Au Cap school and Ryan Chetty, Art teacher at Mont Fleuri secondary at that time.
Sir Ryan, who then moved to the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD), was able to assist Samuel to develop his art at a higher level, where he sat for his IGCSE in Art.
Samuel’s artistic talent allowed him to participate in his first solo exhibition at the International Deaf Expo in India in 2022, and his first local expo during Deaf Week last year, which was organised at the Kenwyn House.
Additionally, he excels in sports, claiming gold in long jump and silver in the 200m at the CJSOI which was held in Mauritius in 2022 along with a bronze medal at the Indian Ocean Islands games, which was held last year in Madagascar.
His talent does not stop here! Samuel proved to be a talented dancer and actor. He won silver medal and bronze medal in an international dance competition in Botswana in 2019 and first prize in the solo performer category at the Deaf Got Talent in 2023. During Deaf Week at the end of 2023 he also won first prize in the group category performing a meme.
Expressing his gratitude with us through Mrs Gardner, Samuel acknowledges the unwavering support of his mother, Ms Anita (Mrs Gardner) and Ms Shana. “I am still in the clouds! My dream was to graduate, to wear a hat and robe. I did it! I am so proud of winning the DEAF of the year 2023! I did not let anything stop me! I have been pulled here and there sometimes because I wanted to fit in but the key to my success is to listen and obey! I trusted people who had my good intention at heart, they are my mum and my tutors, Miss Anita and Miss Shana. And for this I thank them. I wish also to thank the members of the Deaf association and sponsors who supported all my activities.”
Samuel’s biggest challenge he noted is that “I struggle a bit on the academic side so when I was encouraged to sit for my IGCSE I panicked! With Miss Anita, who was my interpreter, I did it! I hope that all other students will follow suit.”
Looking ahead, Samuel has a plan for his life: “I am staying focused to further my studies in art in South Africa then return and work at the School for the Deaf. I wish to help other students to reach the same level as me. I also plan to open a hairstyle business on the side if possible.”
Mrs Gardner emotionally shared that “Although Samuel came to school late we focused more on his abilities. We quickly found out that he had multiple talents, and we ensured that he had all the opportunities. Aphi (the association for the deaf) paid for three years his Dance class at the heartbeat dance studio and paid for private art classes with famous artist Colbert Nourice. We organised many activities that gave him the possibility to develop all his talents.”
She further noted that Samuel is a very easy person to work with. He is so kind and helpful! He is very active in the association’s activities; he is always helping one way or another. He also helps to maintain the school garden.
Samuel wishes to continue his training in Art. SIAD does offer courses, but it will be difficult for Samuel to attend because of the lack of permanent sign language interpreters. So, the Deaf Association is seeking funding to send him to the best Deaf art school in South Africa in 2024.
Samuel will also represent Seychelles in the MR Deaf world in Prague in July 2024. “Samuel has become a role model for others. We are proud of his achievements, and we will continue to support him and other deaf people the best way we can. The deaf surely can!” shared Mrs Gardner.
Seychelles NATION has always been following the journey of this young man, and we are sure he will reach greater heights in life.
The accompanying photos some highlights of Samuel’s life journey.
Photos: Contributed
