Aspiring Blue Economy leaders complete internship programme |22 February 2017
An initiative under the SIDS Youth AIMS Hub (SYAH), with the support of the British high commission, the internship programme entitled ‘Prosperity and Environment: Promoting sustainable development opportunities for youth in the Blue Economy Sector' has ended.
The first cohort of the Blue Economy champions received their certificate and a book ‘Rethinking the oceans’ (written by former President James Michel) during the closing ceremony held on Saturday at the National House in the presence of Vice-President Vincent Meriton, various ministers, principal secretaries and other guests.
The initiative entailed a Blue Economy internship geared towards allowing young people to understand and experience the breadth of career opportunities within the Blue Economy sector, as well as inspiring them to take up a career in the ocean-based economy.
During the internship the 20 interns gained knowledge and practice on the Blue Economy through work placements in organisations such as Island Conservation Society (ICS), Seychelles Petroleum Company Ltd (Seypec), Seychelles Energy Commission (Sec), Wise Oceans and Seychelles Air Force, among others.
The second part of the internship was held in Mauritius where 14 of them visited many Blue Economy linked organisations and places including SYAH Mauritius, the University of Mauritius, Indian Ocean RIM Association and Mauritius Oceanography, among others.
The interns were Shantana Barbe, Frances Benstrong, Emmaline Contoret. Ryan Dewa, Carol Hoareau, Melissa Jumaye, Camilla Labonte, Alvania Lawen, Nathalia Lawen, Lauran Montano, Reza Moustache, Marianne Naya, Raina Nicette, Daryl Onezime, Sarah Purvis, Nikita Rennie, Joshua Sofola, Nathanielle Soomery, Anna Yang and Nathalie Young.
During the ceremony a short video presentation of the interns’ experience was shown, followed by a presentation on how to attract youths to the Blue Economy by intern Natalie.
Blue Economy champion, Joshua, also shared his entrepreneurial idea of a project entitled ‘The circular movement’ which encourages the proper management of waste.
Another project proposal for Blue Economy Clubs in school were also presented by Anna, Frances and Laura.
Shantana also pledged a 12-month commitment on behalf of all interns to a plan that includes both knowledge sharing and an action oriented agenda.
VP Meriton said every idea that has youths at its core has a chance to succeed.
“Every idea that youths are involved in is destined to make a difference in the life of our country and our nation. Every idea that is espoused by the youth is sustainable for decades and centuries […] when the youths are involved nothing is impossible,” he said.
Political consul at the British high commission, Matthew Harper, thanked the interns for giving the British high commission the opportunity to get involved and to provide support to an initiative which will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of Blue Economy leaders.
“The experience which you have, I hope, enjoyed, will aid in trade development and technology and scientific opportunities in the future, and will provide inspiration to other island states. But only if you make it happen,” he said.
One of the project coordinators, Kalsey Belle, said the interns were fuelled by the encouraging words of VP Meriton and British high commissioner Caron Röhsler as they indeed dived right into their internship with sustainable development clutched firmly at their hearts.
“They performed amazingly […] It wasn’t just the interns who were brilliant. All of our hosting organisations drew up an informative and interesting work programme […] We now have a group of Blue Economy champions committed to educating Seychellois about the myriad of opportunities offered by the Blue Economy, as well as encouraging more youths to opt for Blue economy careers,” she said.
R.H.