New NGO launched to raise awareness of multiple forms of intelligence |28 June 2021
The launch ceremony (Photo: Joena Meme)
When you hear the word intelligence, the concept of IQ testing may immediately come to mind. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential; something we are born with, something that can be measured, and a capacity that is difficult to change.
In recent years, however, other views of intelligence have emerged. One such conception is the theory of multiple intelligences.
Using that concept, the Diversity in Intelligence Association (DIA) was launched on Friday morning at the Civil Engagement Platform Seychelles auditorium with the aim of raising awareness of the different forms of intelligence through educating, empowering and mentoring.
The founder and chairman of the association, Ivan Vidot, said that they decided to form the association to show that other forms of intelligence are just as important.
“Through my studies I discovered the theory of Multiple Intelligence by Gardner where it suggests that traditional psychometric views of intelligence are too limited. While a person might be particularly strong in a specific area, such as musical intelligence, he or she most likely possesses a range of abilities. For example, an individual might be strong in verbal, musical, and naturalistic intelligence,” he said.
Ivan added that society has a perception that intelligence is only associated with someone who is good academically but there are many people in society who have different levels of intelligence, if they start valuing these people they can also achieve success.
“This is why our NGO is not neglecting academic intelligence but we are incorporating other types of intelligence to make sure that everyone feels valued.”
During the ceremony, Marc Arrisol, head teacher of Mont Fleuri secondary school, noted that schools should adopt a more holistic teaching method and educate the whole person, beyond core academics.
“We need to cultivate a developing child’s physical, emotional, moral, psychological, and spiritual attributes. Serving the whole child means providing opportunities that are personalised to a child’s skills and feelings. Lessons are conducted in a safe, supportive environment that allows students to utilise their individual strengths. Teachers must be prepared to nurture students with varying educational levels and learning capabilities,” he said.
He added that he has already started this implementation at Mont Fleuri secondary school because he feels that students who are not academically good should not be neglected but rather encouraged to develop their intelligence in other forms.
During the launch ceremony there were testimonies from youths who have started participating in the activities held by the NGO. Faricia Hertel noted that she enjoys participating in these activities and she hopes that this initiative continues.
Mr Vidot noted that for the NGO to be successful there need to be collaboration with the community, adding that there is also the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Education as their goal is to work with youths.
During Friday’s ceremony the group also launched their theme, ‘I’m Intelligent, you’re intelligent, we’re intelligent’.
The executive members of the association are Ivan Vidot as chairman, Judelca Bonne as vice-chair, Carah Loveday as secretary, Roger Volcère as impact officer and Pamela Moustache, treasurer.
Christophe Zialor
