UP CLOSE … with Geneviève André, lecturer, social worker and ardent nature and football lover |16 May 2017

Living life with gusto

Geneviève is a proud, strong-willed, humble single mum and teacher with a gem of a daughter as her pillar of strength to shoulder her through her challenges. She loves to make the most of what the gift of life offers, ready to reach out to the most vulnerable. And above all, she wants to give hope to all these young ladies she encounters on her way.

Childhood

“I grew up in a close knit family of seven with three brothers and one sister. My father was a forestry officer and my mother a teacher. The nature of my father’s work brought us to different regions namely Grand Anse Mahé, Fond B’Offay Praslin and lastly to Sans Souci.  With our education as a priority, sacrifices were made to allow my elder brother and myself to attend classes at private schools, namely Regina Mundi Convent and Seychelles College. Accommodation was also a problem and we had to stay with my late Grandma when I was in Primary one and two and moved to Anse Boileau with the heartwarming Mussard family when I was in Primary three. I remember so well my trips to Praslin each holiday when my father would come down to take us on the schooner Lady Esmée for the three-hour ordeal. I guess this is why I have become a staunch ‘seafarer’. The family settled at Sans Souci when I was in Primary four.

Responsible at a very young age

“As the eldest sister and daughter, much was expected from me -- from educational performance and household chores to helping with sorting out fruits and vegetables that my parents cultivated to be sold at the market.  I had to take care of my two younger brothers and sister and they kept me busy pretty much.  I did not have many friends and was more or less confined at home when not at school. There was neither TV nor mobile phones! During the weekends, especially Sundays, with some friends from the neighbourhood, I would go for walks in the forests picking juicy fruits on our way.

“From day one, I was very much in my studies at Regina Mundi Convent until A-Levels. I was inspired by my mother, who had 45 years of experience, to become a teacher. I was determined to become a specialist in French as I adored the language…of love! I went to the University of Franche Comte, Besançon for five years where I graduated with a Masters in French as a foreign language.  Upon my return in 1988, I started working with the Creole Institute as a research officer for a year but finally took up teaching commercial French at the School of Business Studies at the Seychelles Polytechnic in 1990. I stayed for ten years after which I was transferred to the National Institute of Education in 2000 teaching French to future teachers both at primary and secondary levels.  Teaching has been my dream since I was a child and despite the mountain of challenges, I wanted to contribute to positive change in our young people and for the betterment of the society.”

Life changing event

Becoming a mum at the age of 35 was a life changing experience for Geneviève. “Being pregnant was a miracle for me as I was told that it was virtually very difficult for me to conceive and when the test was confirmed positive, I was momentarily in a daze.  I waited patiently for the arrival of my bundle of joy and each time I look at her, I thank the Almighty for blessing me with such a priceless gift. We became very close as I wanted to be her best and most trusted friend and confidante, especially as she entered her teenage phase.  We were together through the many hurdles that we encountered and we persevered to overcome them as much as possible. As a single mum, I’m proud to say that my daughter has become the strong, determined young lady with the sense of responsibility I aspired she would become, ready to take up the reins of life guided by her spiritual path, as a devoted Baha’i.  Having the privilege of going on pilgrimage at the Baha’i Holy city in Haifa Israel, we strive to follow the fundamental principles of the faith.  I’ve been presenting radio programmes fortnightly for the past ten years.  My priorities remain having the equilibrium of the professional and spiritual commitments for my daughter’s and my own progress in this material world, through humility, respect, love and justice. We want a better world where peace and unity can prevail.”

Other hats : MC and social worker

“As a teacher, I often found myself adopting the role of MC at different events ranging from Teacher’s Day Award, Graduation and wedding ceremonies.  For the Teacher’s Day Award and Graduation ceremonies, I participated mainly for the French part as not everyone felt comfortable to speak or read French.  However, my role took another turn as I found myself being MC for the weddings of several Baha’i friends, around ten couples.  It is no easy task as you have to reflect on the atmosphere of the couple and the crowd, but I can humbly say that all couples and guests have been more than happy.  This might be the reason why I haven’t walked down the aisle till now!”

By now you may have realised that Geneviève is a dynamic woman with a desire to reach out to the most vulnerable. Hence, her active involvement in two NGOs, namely the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) and the Cancer Concern Association (CCA).

“My love affair with the Red Cross started in 2000 when I decided to acquire the skills of a first aider.  It was an eye-opener as I had become a mum and first aid was essential.  However, I must admit that administering first aid to others remains a constant hurdle for me as I get cold feet when confronted with a realistic situation. This reminds me how serious a responsibility one has as a first aider.  I learned to give without expecting much in return and experience the joy of helping the most vulnerable.  I had the privilege of meeting two wonderful souls namely Trevor Renaud and Patrick Dubel.  I learned so much from them especially for their humility, joyfulness and drive for reaching out to help others tirelessly.  Sadly, Red Cross lost Trevor in 2011 and our dear Patrick in 2015.   I shall always be a Red Cross volunteer as I have benefitted a lot to continue upholding the fundamental principles and bringing assistance to the most vulnerable.”

Four years ago Geneviève became actively involved in another association CCA, offering support for all those being affected by the killer disease which is taking our country by storm – CANCER. 

“It is an eye-opener for me and sometimes I feel so helpless as I take on the toll of its consequences on our society.  My wish is that one day we find a cure for this monster disease,” she says with great hope.

Love for nature

“My passion for discovering nature has led me to some breathtaking places in our country and I am forever grateful for the numerous chances I had to go on monthly hikes with a joyful group. I also went hiking with a class from SITE (Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education).  From Ste Anne to Ile Longue, Cascade (Ros Sote and Montanny Melry), Anse Mondon, Grand Police, Anse Major to Cap Ternay, Mare aux Cochons, are some of the awesome trails I’ve discovered.

And yes! I love football as I’m a passionate fan of Manchester United since the time of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Real feast for the eyes on the football pitch. Though ManUtd is not performing as expected this year, I’ll always be a loyal fan! GGMU!”

Knowing this amazing lady makes one realise: If women can be fully educated and granted their rights, they will attain the capacity for wonderful accomplishments and prove themselves the equal of men. Despite all life’s challenges, Geneviève « croque la vie à belles dents ».

Compiled by V. Gappy