Schools, environment advocates recognised in eco-school’s awards By Laura Pillay |26 February 2024
Christie Roselie (left) and Yves Jumaye … Eco-school programme’s most valuable students for 2023 (Photos: Kurtrine Albert)
Christie Roselie and Yves Jumaye are the eco-School programme’s most valuable students for 2023, having demonstrated a passion for promoting sustainability in their schools and communities.
The pair were recognised for their efforts on Friday evening, during the Eco-school award ceremony, at the Coral Strand Hotel.
Christie’s eco-warrior journey commenced at Anse Royale primary school where she was very active in environment education activities, and volunteered in activities organised by government and non-governmental organisations. As an active eco-warrior, Christie dedicates a lot of her weekends to the environment education programme. She is due to pursue further studies at the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) as of this year.
As for Yves, he too has been passionate about the environment from a very early age, at the Bel Ombre primary school. Over the years he has been an active member of the eco-school programme and wildlife club and has won numerous prizes in national and international environment-related competitions.
“I have loved the environment since I was smaller, and I have participated in various eco-friendly activities. This has really helped me in my academic life as I have learned a lot, and I feel that this is especially useful to me since I want to be a marine biologist.”
“To have received such an award is very moving to me, and I appreciate it,” Yves said, thanking all of those who have helped him along the way.
Schools across Seychelles were also rewarded for their achievements in the year 2023, as well as individuals who have supported the programme for numerous years.
Schools were rewarded according to their specific level, from level 1 to level 3, determined by their overall scores in national competitions and activities, their eco-school achievements and visits by judges.
Baie St Anne school clinched the prize as the most outstanding eco-school in the primary category, having demonstrated its whole school approach in the implementation of the programme in and outside the classroom. The school stood out as one which also focuses on projects in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The school qualifies for an educational trip to Aldabra, among other prizes.
Beau Vallon primary school was awarded the second prize, while the International School Seychelles primary secured third place, having also secured over 300 points and excelling in all aspects of the programme.
As for the secondary school category, Mont Fleuri came out on top as the most outstanding, followed by Persévérance and the Independent School in second and third places respectively.
It was noted that although Mont Fleuri has not attained level 3 rating, it scored the highest among all secondary schools for its enduring commitment to integrating environmentally-sustainable design themes across different learning areas.
Six most outstanding school leaders were also recognised for their efforts, one from each region. The special category of awards seeks to encourage teachers for their hard work and dedication towards their respective school’s eco programme.
The winners were as follows: Marie-Ange Barbé (Bel Ombre primary), Elvina Hoareau (Independent secondary), Sandrine Valentin (Mont Fleuri secondary), Mariana Florentine (Grand Anse Mahe primary), Francesca Commettant (Au Cap primary) and Wolfgang Germain (Praslin secondary).
To commemorate the programme’s 30th anniversary, long-serving school leaders were recognised. They are: Santa Rose (Takamaka primary), Terrence Belle (La Retraite primary), Agnes Agathine (Bel Eau primary), Steven Constance (Beau Vallon primary), Maryse Morel (Anse Boileau secondary), Betty Cecile (Belonie secondary), and Robert Gappy (Plaisance secondary).
For the first time, the Ministry of Education awarded individuals who have over the years helped the eco-school programme to flourish. Although absent, the ministry honoured founder of the eco-school Michelle Martin.
Dr Marie-Thérèse Purvis was recognised for her work in the Ministry of Education’s curriculum section, where she promoted and continues to push environment education.
Passionate eco-school leader Lyndy Bastienne, and Isabelle Ravinia’s efforts were also celebrated, along with Lena Desaubin, Mariette Lucas, Brenda Andimignon, Michel Adam and Franky Duprès.
Chief executive of Nature Seychelles Nirmal Shah was also among the awardees, in addition to Shane Emilie, Terry Mousbé, Maria Brioche, and Jeannette Larue.
Ms Larue, director general for education within the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), started off as an eco-school leader, and has been involved with the programme for 29 years. She noted that the programme is responsible for leading the campaign to make it illegal to consume turtles.
“Back in the days the eco-school programme was not compulsory, but the teachers still had the enthusiasm. It was focused mainly on environmental conservation rather than sustainable development. With time we had to initiate changes to adapt to what was happening in the world,” said Mrs Larue.
“We moved away from conservation and nowadays, with the 17 United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals, we are trying our best to integrate it in the programme,” she stated.
Ms Larue added that she believes the programme has been successful due to the hard work of teachers, and the good collaboration between the two parent ministries, the Ministry of Education and the MACCE.
Similarly, senior education officer for the sustainable development section stated that Seychelles is an eco-school champion, having successfully seen the programme through to its pearl anniversary.
The ministry intends to conduct a research to assess the successes of the programme, and to establish how many have benefitted from the programme over the years, and the various changes that are needed to ensure the programme fits the needs of contemporary times.
