Fregate Island Private sponsors trip of discovery for eco-school winners |04 March 2020

The two students in the company of Ms Lablache and Ms Zora (left and right respectively) and PS de Commarmond (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

Two secondary students who are very active in eco-school programmes and activities have been rewarded with a fully funded weekend trip of discovery and involvement in all activities that Fregate Island Private offers its visitors.

Anaëlle Marie from Mont Fleuri secondary school and Neil Commettant from Beau Vallon secondary school, last week received their vouchers and a collection of books and leaflets about the island and all the attractions it offers which they would have to read and better educate themselves about before their trip.

This was during a short ceremony at the education ministry which was attended by their parents, key education officials and representatives of the sponsor.
Lisette Lablache, human resource manager, and Anna Zora, the conservation manager on the island, presented the two students with their prizes.
Jeanette Larue, director general for public education and community outreach, said the occasion is a meaningful and very significant one as for the first time two students who have been really active in environment education more specifically in eco-school programmes and activities since primary are being rewarded.

“We have been monitoring them for a long time and they are working really hard to help preserve and protect the environment and help raise awareness on this important issue and it is good to show our appreciation for their hard work, to continue motivating and encouraging them to always do more,” said Ms Larue.

She welcomed the fact that for the first time a private island has come onboard to sponsor prizes so that the students can be rewarded.
“We are really grateful and we do hope the sponsorship will continue,” said Ms Larue, adding that they are planning to reward students annually.
After Aldabra, where some few lucky students have been able to visit, Ms Larue said they are happy that other hardworking students can visit a second island which is Fregate Island Private.
Ms Zora for her part said “the island is really happy to support this kind of initiative especially when it comes from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development and involves young people. We are really very proud of you and we are happy to support you.”

Ms Zora and Ms Lablache said the students will be welcomed and treated like any of their guests, living in a villa and taking part in all the activities on offer.
Anaëlle welcomed the initiative, noting that it is really good as it will be a reward and encouragement for students who are working hard and participating actively in eco-school activities, but who are not lucky to visit Aldabra.

“I am really happy to have been awarded the prize as it shows all my hard work has paid off and I will use the visit to discover and appreciate all that Fregate has to offer as well as gain more inspiration among the natural environment there,” said Anaëlle.

Neil, for his part, also welcomed the initiative from Fregate Island Private which he said will give students a boost and motivate them to continue taking part in eco-school activities.
He also said he is really excited and looking forward to add another island to the dozen he has visited and discovered so far.

Principal secretary for early childhood, primary and secondary education Dr Odile de Commarmond expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fregate Island Private on behalf of the education ministry for coming onboard.

“You will discover the talents and knowledge of the students which I am sure will push you to remain onboard and may be extend your sponsorship to other students and teachers as well who are also working hard alongside their students,” PS de Commarmond noted.

The two students accompanied by their parents are expected to undertake the trip during the Easter holidays.

Marie-Anne Lepathy