Anse Royale primary and Beau Vallon secondary snatch eco-schools award |12 December 2017

Minister Morgan addressing the gathering during the prize-giving ceremony

Schools have been rewarded for their achievements in the Seychelles eco-school programme throughout 2017.

This was during a short ceremony organised last week by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development.

The two most outstanding schools are Anse Royale primary and Beau Vallon secondary, and they have been able to maintain level 3 for years now.

Baie Lazare primary school is the only other school awarded with level 3 this year, while all other schools fell under level two and one.

The schools are rewarded according to three specific levels depending on the number of points eco-schools receive for taking part in national competitions, activities and achievements within the programme.  

Nathalia Lawen and Daryl Adolph were rewarded as the most valuable students while the Anse Royale primary head teacher Sonia Mancienne received the most outstanding head teacher award.

During the ceremony, the most outstanding eco-school leaders were also rewarded according to six regions. They are Beau Vallon secondary school teacher Marie Chantale Nichole (Region 1), English River school teacher Brenda Andimignon (Region 2), Robert Gappy from Plaisance secondary (Region 3), Vanesia Labrosse from Baie Lazare school (Region 4), Beryl Serret from Anse Royale primary school (Region 5) and Begguita Crispin from Praslin secondary school (Region 6).

The awardees received trophies, certificates, cash prizes as well as educational trips to Aldabra.

The Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Joel Morgan said over the years the ministry has ensured to support its schools to ensure that education for sustainable development is maintained in their daily operations.

“It is not an easy task with limited resources but what is important is the level of understanding, commitment and engagement from all our stakeholders to ensure that our schools are put in the right place in terms of implementation of sustainable development strategies,” he said.

He called upon the schools to continue striving for sustainability in their daily activities.

“The commitment will not only ensure your educational institutions become sustainable but it will also help to shape a group of empowered citizens to exercise their fundamental rights of promoting sustainability and managing and protecting our country,” he said.

Mrs Mancienne said the prize she received is worth the work behind it.

“I am a firm believer in the promotion of environmental education in both inside and outside the classroom.  I am so happy to say as the leader of the Anse Royale primary school staff, students and parents, we fought a battle that we won and we have won the battle for the past four years,” she said.

She said it was not easy as there were many obstacles along the way but with commitment, dedication and perseverance they managed to overcome all the challenges.

Daryl, who is an S4 student from Plaisance secondary school, was very pleased to receive this award.

“I know that I deserve this award as I worked very hard to help praise my school in numerous ways so I am very pleased to have been the recipient of this award,” he said.

He said he will continue to make his school proud although he will be busy with international exams next year.

Ms Labrosse said she has been receiving this award ever since she became an environmental leader.

“I am very pleased as it shows I’m working hard each year to maintain a sustainable environment at my school,” she said.