Maltese embassy donates books to SNYC |21 September 2017

Youth, vulnerable groups and parents seeking counselling from the Seychelles National Youth Council can now benefit from a wider collection of books.

This comes following the handing over of 35 books from the Ministre Conseiller of the Order of Malta, Alexandra Azaïs to the director of the youth support services Beryl Dodin during a short ceremony yesterday morning at the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) headquarters, English River in the presence of the principal secretary for youth and sports Fabian Palmyre, SNYC deputy chief executive Ghislain Belmont, youth workers and distinguished guests.

The books worth about US $1,200 have been given to the embassy by the son of Mrs Azaïs who is an Italian lawyer and businessman. He imported the books from the United States and offered them as a gift.

This is the second batch of books given to SNYC by the Maltese embassy. The first consignment was given last month.

Mrs Azaïs said these books which deal with addiction, stress and managing emotional distress were requested by Mrs Dodin during a meeting at the embassy a few months ago.

“I was immediately convinced by the great value of this project aimed to familiarise the young people and the youth workers with the arising issues Seychelles faces nowadays. Addiction to alcohol and illegal drugs is increasing dramatically as well as new problems such as bullying at school and internet safety among others,” she said.

Mrs Azaïs, who said she admires the work SNYC is doing for Seychellois youth and also the commitment of all the members of this important organisation, expressed her gratitude towards the donator and wished the best to the youth and staff who will benefit from the books.

Mrs Dodin said the books will help them tackle the issues they are currently facing by using the donation as tools to educate and raise awareness.

“Before we used to browse on the internet and this could take long a long time and at times the information could be unreliable so now these books which are the latest editions will be very helpful,” she said.

She also thanked Mrs Azaïs and the embassy for helping the SNYC make a positive difference.

“Your support encourages our continued commitment to reaching our goal in empowering the youth, staff and parents,” she said.

Following the handing over those present were able to view the new books.