Zerane Ah-Kon – Positive Youth Award Winner for Secondary School |22 December 2017

‘Do well in your studies and stay positive always,’ Zerane urges peers

Following the recent Positive Youth Award ceremony held by the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) on December 9 at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, the Seychelles NATION spoke to Zerane Ah-Kon, one of the five winners of the prestigious award which aims to recognise youth who have been exemplary students in their respective secondary and post-secondary schools.

16-year-old Zerane, who is part of the SCOUTS and the Angels/Joyful Family Choir, was nominated for the award by Belonie secondary school and similarly to the other nominees for the secondary school category, Zerane was invited to attend the Positive Youth Award ceremony where the winners of each category were to be announced.

“I was very nervous on the day of the ceremony, especially since there were many people present. However, my mum came with me that day and kept reminding me not to worry. I was not expecting to win but then I was called onto the stage to receive my award. I was shocked but happy and I know that SNYC, my mum and teachers were all proud of me,” recounts Zerane.

When asked what led him to win this award, Zerane explains that he joined the Young Citizen (YC) Movement in Primary 6 and became very active in this group when he was in Secondary 2. The YC Movement is open to school students who can join on a voluntary basis and partake in various programmes which aim to provide “enriching and motivating opportunities outside the classroom to live the concept of patriotism” (SNYC).

Through this movement, Zerane has participated in many activities, including public speaking events where his team won on multiple occasions. Last year, he also participated in a public speaking event for the ‘Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l'Océan Indien’ (CJSOI) held in Madagascar.

Zerane has also been involved in a number of hiking and camping trips as well as various other activities organised by his school and the SNYC. For example, he has assisted with decorating for Teachers’ or Children’s day in the past and adds that whenever his school asked, he was always ready to give a helping hand.

“I used to be quite shy and would not get involved in activities but once I started, I realised it was fun and brought about many benefits, so I continued to persevere. Through my participation over the years, I have received certificates and shields which I feel can help me in the future. My participation also helps people to trust me and to build good relationships with others like my teachers and those at SNYC,” explains Zerane.

He feels that his involvement in such activities also influences other youth in positive ways. Zerane recalls that during activities organised by the YC Movement, each student is normally placed in a group of other students that they do not know and by the time the activity ends, he has made friends, socialised and developed various skills. 

“During any issues that arise in hikes or camps, we help each other and I always try to make sure there is a positive vibe and try to help resolve any conflicts. When new students join the YC Movement, I notice when they are shy so I speak to them, make them feel comfortable and let them know they have someone to talk to. I have a lot of patience with the people I care about and some people even call me a ‘good Samaritan,” says Zerane.

He continues by saying that it is his parents who have helped him become the person he is today, adding that “they helped me to get onto the right path and corrected my wrongs so that I avoid problems. When I do well, they support me, as do my teachers. My own will to learn and succeed also helps me to advance in life”.

Speaking about his plans following his completion of Secondary 5, Zerane is currently awaiting the results of his final exams and hopes to join Business School, after which he intends to join the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) to pursue his dream of opening his own pastry business.

Zerane’s advice to other youth is “do not let barriers like bullies affect you and do not be scared to participate in different activities. Do well in your studies and stay positive always. This is why I am here today myself”.