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Youth NGOs respond to statement made in the National Assembly |24 June 2017

We are writing to express our disappointment with regard to a defamatory statement made in the National Assembly during its sitting of June 13, 2017 questioning the existence and integrity of a short list of NGOs. Among those mentioned were Global Shapers Community – Victoria Hub, The Ocean Project Seychelles and The Meraki Foundation, all of which are youth led NGOs.

The comment expressed has left many members of these NGOs feeling disappointed and demoralised especially that such an unfounded statement, clearly lacking in substantiation, was made on a such a high standing platform viewed and listened to by the majority of the population.

“Lo sa lalis mon war en bann lorganizasyon ki dan larealite normal, nou pa tann zot. Pa konnen si zot egziste….Lekel sa bann zafer ki nou pe donn CSR, nou pa ni konnen ki zot fer, nou pa ni tann zot, ni SBC pa dir nanryen lo zot…” – Those were the unfounded words proclaimed in the National Assembly.

Nowadays, access to information is at the click of a finger and one newspaper article away. We therefore find it absurd that such a statement was made given that all the above mentioned NGOs have been frequently featured on SBC, the local daily newspapers as well as social media.

Nonetheless, allow us to clarify who we are and what we do.

 

Global Shapers Community – Victoria Hub

The Global Shapers Community is a network of Hubs, under the aegis of the World Economic Forum, developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to contribute to their communities.

Since the official launch of the local chapter, Victoria Hub, in November 2015, we now have 10 active members and boast a long list of projects. To name a few, we have organised blood drives, an ongoing mentorship programme with President’s Village, a mental health awareness campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and continue to work with various organisations such as the Seychelles Prison and Les Li Viv.

Website https://www.globalshapers.org/hug/victoria

Facebook page @globalshapersvictoria

 

The Ocean Project – Seychelles

The Ocean Project Seychelles is a newly registered NGO with the objectives of educating the public on the threats of marine debris, encouraging communities to take action by stopping debris from entering our oceans through coastal clean ups, and switching to eco-friendly, reusable alternatives to plastic. 

Since our incorporation earlier this year, we have organised four clean-ups, engaged with more than 250 people, and prevented more than 3 MT of rubbish from entering our oceans. After our clean-ups, we also sort the rubbish and now have a database containing the various types of debris we have collected. Going forward, we aim to use this data to help government inform policy.  Following the plastic bag campaign that led to the recent ban on plastic bags and polystyrene boxes and additionally to organising monthly clean-ups, we will soon be launching a campaign to end the use of plastic straws in Seychelles. 

Facebook or Instagram: @theoceanproject.sey

 

The Meraki Foundation

The Meraki Foundation is a newly registered NGO and we aim to empower communities through the Arts by offering engaging and accessible projects that promote social values, derived from local needs and nurture self-resilience.

You may have heard of “Word Up”, a monthly open mic night for poets and performing artists which reflects the ethos of inclusivity and promotion of the Arts as a source of positive change. We will soon be launching projects that reflect these values.

Website: https://www.themerakifoundation.com

Facebook or Instagram @themerakifoundation

 

Although the statement made may put in question the credibility of some NGOs, we would like to highlight that around the world, NGOs are an integral part of the development of a country and are not for profit.

Despite not getting much support, as members of youth led NGOs, as well as having full time jobs, we sacrifice a lot of our time and personal funds to do our part for our small island community. As an island with a small population, we should be looking for ways to continuously support each other as we strive for positive change.

To conclude this letter, we would just like to point out that sensitive statements like these, made without research or clarification of facts, could potentially damage the good reputation of people and NGOs and can be regarded as intentional false communication and encourages disparaging and disagreeing opinions.

Thank you for allowing us our freedom of expression.

 

Natasha Burian – Curator of Global Shapers Community – Victoria Hub

Karine Rassool & Zara Pardiwalla – Co-Founders, The Ocean Project Seychelles

Alexandria Faure – Founder, The Meraki Foundation

 

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this letter are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.

 

 

 

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