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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

The President’s Award Programme-31 youths get gold awards |16 August 2012

The President’s Award Programme-31 youths get gold awards

The Gold Award achievers in a souvenir photograph with President Michel, Vice-President Faure, Ms Skoll and Mrs Van Der Westhuizen

These new Gold Award holders received their certificates from President James Michel, who is also the Patron of the President’s Awards Scheme in Seychelles, during a presentation ceremony attended by Vice-President Danny Faure.

Other government ministers and members of the National Assembly as well as the new British high commissioner to Seychelles, Lindsay Skoll, were also present.

The youths received their award pins from the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) chief executive Vicky Van Der Westhuizen and director general for Youth Affairs in the Office of the President Fatoumata Sylla.

The Award Programme for young people was introduced in Seychelles since 1976, under the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Every year Seychellois aged 14 to 25 are joining the programme for volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential activities.

Mr Michel told the recipients the award is a reward of their determination, perseverance and sacrifice.

“You have shown your courage during the physical challenges, you have shown compassion during community activities and you have not been deterred by the high benchmark of the Gold Level.”

He said these young people have cultivated a strong sense of responsibility, of belonging, of patriotism and respect as they have gone through the requirements of the award.

A partial view of guests at the ceremony

He urged the youths to give back to the society and to find time to help those in need.
He reminded them that there would be no award without the unfailing partnership and unwavering support of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

He also saluted the SNYC, the coordinators, leaders and volunteers and thanked them all for their support and dedication.

Mr Michel said the government will keep providing support to the programme and encourage initiatives that allow the leaders of tomorrow to develop their skills and talents to their full potential.

Ms Skoll congratulated all the new Gold Award achievers as well as all those who have helped them all along and made a special mention to Bernadette Barbier.

She said Mrs Barbier have shown tremendous energy over the years in coordinating the President’s Award programme.

She added that the youths of Seychelles have the drive, determination and aspiration.
Ms Skoll said Gold Award achievers are the epitomy of that vision and achievement.

Gold recipient Vanessa Nicette thanked all those who have supported them, including their coordinators and parents.

She wished the new Gold achievers success and encourage other youths to join the programme which she has described as “an amazing experience”.

During the ceremony award recipient Nelson Etienne recited a poem entitled Mon Promes (My Pledge) written by Reuben Lespoir.

The ceremony ended with the award song by the Award Choir and the national brass band was there to entertain the guests.

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