Official opening of the 15th National Youth Festival |30 August 2014

Youths urged to demonstrate positive aspects in everyday life

The 15th National Youth Festival under the theme ‘Youth Celebrating Values’ was officially launched yesterday by the Vice-Chairperson of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) board Naddy Zialor.

The ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre in the presence of Vice-President Danny Faure; Designated Minister Vincent Meriton; ministers MacSuzie Mondon, Peter Sinon, Mitcy Larue; the chief executive of SNYC Vicky Van Der Westhuizen; members of the National Assembly and other high government officials and partners.

The second part of yesterday’s ceremony included an intergeneration conference where various matters affecting youths topped the agenda.

In his remarks to officially launch the festival, Mr Zialor said this 15th National Youth Festival will be a weekend where all Seychellois youths of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue will take part in various activities which are expected to meet expectations and the collective contributions of the youths.
The festival will showcase valuable aspects like sports, spirituality and health of the youths.

“My message for this event is despite challenges the moment has come for each youth to demonstrate a positive aspect in what we do in our everyday lives.

 When the positiveness of all youths are merged, a flame will emerge which will eliminate negative thoughts that society has towards us. I congratulate all youths who are working tirelessly to make a difference and become that light in the lives of other youths,” Mr Zialor told the youths.

He also said that a new component has been included in this year’s youth festival which is a conference on the health of the youth. It will serve as a platform on which the youth will contribute towards the campaign ‘Health of our nation: My health, my responsibility”.  

‘My health, my responsibility’ is a movement and a culture that places the highest value on good health for all. It was conceived as part of the modernisation process of our health system. Emphasis during this conference will be given to the importance of involving young people in identifying problems and developing solutions to ensure that programmes, policies and health services address their needs.

The conference is a follow up to the ‘Health of Our Nation Conference’ held in April this year. Organisers of the April conference felt that the voices of young people were not adequately represented.  

“Under the theme ‘Youth Celebrating Values’ we are consolidating an important component in the development of the Seychellois youths. Since the beginning of this year, the Youth Department, the SNYC and the Ministry of Education and all concerned partners have embarked on a national programme ‘Values for One, Values for All’ which have been introduced in post secondary institutions and various work places which is helping in instilling good values in the youths and in the country’s future,” said Mr Zialor.

He thanked all those who in one way or another has helped towards the implementation of the national programme.

Mr Zialor also informed the youths there are lots of activities put in place for youths in which they can take part like Youths Values, Sesel Enspir Mwan, Youth Buzz, Meet and Greet; Youth Assembly; Young Citizens; President’s Award Scheme; Outreach Programme educational visits; volunteerism; to name some. Mr Zialor also mentioned the Youth Policy Forum which he said is a model in which different ministries contribute or assist the youths of Seychelles.

On her part Mrs Van Der Westhuizen said that the youths are this 15th National Youth Festival from August 29 to September 1 under a theme which corresponds well with all efforts being made to instill good values in the youths of Seychelles.

After the launch of a monthly value in either schools, work places or post secondary institutions, the SNYC or Youth Department organises activities related to that value to make sure that youths are exposed to them.

Referring to the launch of the SNYC/ Youth Department strategic plan 2014-2018, Mrs Van Der Westhuizen said the council is proud to say that much has been accomplished under that plan. The structure of the organigram of the National Youth Council has been reorganised with the aim of better discharging responsibilties; revision of rules and regulations regarding the operation of the council; publicity on SNYC national programmes through a mobile exhibition through Mahé, Praslin and La Digue; participation in various open days at national level; obtained a page in the national newspaper Seychelles NATION every month to publish youth affairs. The council and youth department has managed to sign two of the  five MoUs with certain partners which will help in the empowerment of Seychellois youth. They are Airtel Seychelles and Seychelles Business Finance Authority.

“Youths of Seychelles, we want to let you know that we have your wellbeing at heart. That is why we must make sure that the plan on paper is one that works,” said the CEO.

But she also informed the youths there are still a lot to be done and working together, collectively is the only way forward.

The CEO of SNYC also informed the audience of the launch of the first edition of the SNYC newsletter ‘Youth in Focus’ a copy of which was presented to the Vice-President by a post secondary student. The council plans on producing two editions per year.

Other activities for this year’s Youth Festival include Youth Buzz; launch of the Former Youth Parliamentarian Association; launch of the Youth National Assembly Association; Sesel Enspir Mwan; gospel show; sports jamboree; launch of Seyx30; Youth Festival jamboree and mini jamboree.

Activities are being held on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

During the opening cerwemony yesterday local diva Telcy entertained the audience with her song ‘Living Values’.