Subios Art and creative writing competition winners rewarded |24 November 2014

A popular and important educational activity on the school calendar for many years, the Subios art and creative writing competition featured once again this year.

Schools from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue took part in the competition as well as the Kashiwano primary school from Japan who was once again involved in the art work competition.

The winners received their prizes last Friday at the National Library in the presence of Education Minister Macsuzy Mondon.

“This year’s national theme ‘International Year of Small Island Developing States: Seychelles – A Determined Island Nation,’ blends very well with the Subios theme, for as a small island developing state, Seychelles’ determination to protect its underwater world for its future generation has always been a high priority on the government’s agenda,” said Minister Mondon in her opening remarks.

She added that the annual Subios festival, which has been celebrated over many years, is also proof of our determination to educate our island people on the importance of our ocean in our everyday lives.

“Moreover, our recent initiative of the blue economy concept proves our country’s determination for a global recognition that a healthy ocean is essential for global sustainability. Over the years, Subios has remained consistent in showcasing the creativity of our youth, their understanding, sensitivity and appreciation for the marine life.  This year the competition has again provided our children with another opportunity to explore the fragile and interconnected nature of ocean ecosystems and how human activities are impacting on them. It has allowed them to voice out what the ocean means to them, not only now, but in the years to come,” added the minister.

She also acknowledged the support the children received from their teachers in order to produce the interesting pieces of work that were on display.

“The work produced by our young participants constitutes excellent resources to educate our people on the urgent need for sustainable management of our ocean. This year’s theme have provided our children with the opportunity to once again express how the different species are connected to each other, their importance in providing a balance in the daily activities in the ocean and how we could also help to maintain that balance. In the process, students are developing knowledge and attitudes that influence them to also be part of the different groups in society advocating for the sustainable management of the ocean. Furthermore, the increased awareness is critical in the endeavour to build an ocean stewardship ethic, in strengthening the nation’s science literacy, and in creating a new generation of ocean leaders,” noted Minister Mondon.

The top three for the poem competition are:
Primary category: 1st Neil Commettant from Bel Ombre, 2nd Ethan Beeharry from Independent School and 3rd Ella Poudret from Independent School.
A special mention went to Lea De Luca from Independent school.
Secondary category: 1st Martina Ceccato from Independent school; 2nd Annadrey Celestine from Beau Vallon and 3rd Isa Gamatis Henriette from Independent school.

The top three for the story competition are:
Primary category: 1st Elaine Louise from Beau Vallon, 2nd Staynio Thelermont from La Retraite and 3rd Emmie Rosette from Independent school
Secondary category: 1st Julia Razajanatovo from Anse Boileau, 2nd Jean Paul Lebon from Independent school and 3rd Grace Lafleur from Anse Boileau.
The top three for the art competition are:

Primary category: 1st Liah Pillay from La Retraite, 2nd Stephen Sholastique from Beau Vallon, and the 3rd Carl Gedeon from Pointe Larue
Secondary category: 1st Brisiola Niole from La Digue, 2nd Fabiana Bertin from Beau Vallon and 3rd Sarah Larue from Beau Vallon
Post-secondary category: 1st Lisa Robert from School of Visual Arts; 2nd Tessyl Hoareau from School of Visual Arts and 3rd Kelshna Dine from School of Visual Arts.

A special mention went to Ahmed Essack in the graphic design competition.
The best Subios school in primary and secondary categories went to Independent School. The school received R1,000 sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and books sponsored by Save our Seas Foundation and the Seychelles Tourism Board.