Second Blue Economy Internship programme launched |21 August 2017

The second Blue Economy Internship programme initiative was officially launched on Saturday at Care House by Vice-President Vincent Meriton.

The internship enables 30 Seychellois aged between 16-24 years to follow a two-week  internship in one or two local organisations operating within the Blue Economy sector, followed by a nine-day educational trip to Mauritius as Blue Economy Champions, where they will join Mauritian youths to explore, learn and exchange ideas about the variety of mechanisms being used regionally to develop the ocean economy.

The initiative was created by the Sids Youth Aims Hub (SYAH) and supported by the British high commission in Seychelles, with the help and sponsorships this year of the Blue Economy department, the Indian Ocean Tuna Ltd and Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority as main collaborators.

As was the case with the first cohort, during the internship, the interns will also be able to build relationships with employers and like-minded individuals.

Also present were Caron Röhsler, British high commissioner to Seychelles; principal secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, Alain Volcère and representatives of sponsors and stakeholders.

The first internship starts today and will go on until September 1, and the second session will run from December 11-22.

“Our project had addressed three of the 17 sustainable development goals. But most importantly, together with the interns, British high commission, hosting organisations and the government we had demonstrated that no matter how diverse a group of stakeholders are, by coming together as one team we can give Seychellois youth the opportunity to broaden their horizons and career prospects,” said Kalsey Bell of SYAH.

She also noted that the number of candidates this year has been increased from 19 to 30 and two different internship sessions to better accommodate the schedules of our candidates have been offered. And her message to the new interns is: “Step onto this life-changing journey energetically, amaze your organisations and be the source of inspiration to others.”

In his address, Mr Meriton said Seychelles is on its way to fulfilling its promise of turning the vision of the Blue Economy into reality, into a new way of life, one of sustainable development of our country.

“We are all aware of the global and local challenges that can have an impact on our development. From climate change and illegal fishing, to illicit trafficking on our seas to the plastic debris choking our marine creatures. We are also mindful of the importance of the fishing and tourism industries, the wealth generators of our country, heavily dependent on the protection of our marine environment,” he said.

Mr Meriton also remarked it is important to note that these sectors are inextricably linked where we cannot only be addressing one without affecting the other, and that we cannot also be increasing our economic fortune without looking at how the impact of the social and environment sectors and that the development we are aiming for must be sustainable.

“This is what the Blue Economy is aiming to achieve for Seychelles,” he said.

The vice-president had a special message to all the youths embarking on this programme:

“I would like to offer you all my support and encouragement. Because you will be walking in the footsteps of a valiant first group who had an exemplary behaviour. As the true pioneers and guardian of our oceanic space, I wish you make use of all the opportunities to learn and increase your knowledge in all aspects and splendour of our ocean.”

There were also various presentations on the Blue Economy like an overview of the blue Economy from the Blue Economy department in the Vice-President’s Office; business opportunities in the Blue Economy by the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB); developing a business idea from Senpa (Small Enterprise Promotion Agency) and from other organisations in related fields.

Joshua Sophola and Nathalia Lawen, two members of the first cohort, had words of encouragement for their fellow youths who are embarking on the programme this year.