Students get better insight into defence academy |24 April 2014

A group of secondary one (S1) students from Praslin and La Digue have had the chance to learn more about the Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA).

They visited the institution on Tuesday as part of the newly launched programme ‘Dekouvert Eksitan’ (‘Exciting Discovery’), which falls under the Outreach Programme 2014.

The aim of the Outreach Programme, devised by the youth department in collaboration with the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), is to present outdoor learning opportunities to first year secondary students on important living values, the environment, life skills, so as to boost their physical maturity, their inclination towards social independence, to develop their sense of self awareness and to learn to form intimate relationships with people who are not members of their families.

During their visit the students learned about the role and importance of the SDA and were exposed to the level of discipline associated with the military.

They also got an insight into the functions of the SDA and also career opportunities that exist in infantry, at the coastguard and in the air force.

Present to greet the students and teachers at the SDA were the Commander of the Academy Major Vincent Luther, SNYC chief executive Vicky Van der Westhuizen, principal secretary for youth Alain Volcère, Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet and other officers at the SDA.
 
The activities for the students were divided into three stations: at one station the students learned about flag raising and lowering and they also learned about drills. At the introductory station the students learned more about the SDA and at the obstacle course the student could test their physical ability. The activities were interactive between the officers and the students.

The activities have been made possible through the Children’s Fund and the Inter Island Boats (Cat Cocos) for sponsoring the transportation of students.

Other activities were held at the Vallée de Mai and Anse Royale sports complex where a large number of students took part in as they have at the SDA.

At the Anse Royale sports complex, the students did voluntary work, learned how to dance the hip hop with Darrel Roucou, traditional dances like moutia with Andreix Rosalie, and how to write songs with Jude Ally.

They also learned about the environment; basic First Aid from the Red Cross Society of Seychelles; had their blood pressure tested and learned about other health risks from the Youth Health Centre; and played volleyball, basketball, football and traditional games.

Others took the opportunity to view the exhibition commemorating President James Michel's 10 years in office.

The students learning about drills (left) and testing their physical ability at the SDA

Some students having their blood pressure tested while others are engaged in artistic pursuits during activities at the Anse Royale sports complex