Students showcase their knowledge of small island states |14 August 2018

It was with songs, dances, video viewing, fashion shows showcasing  the art, culture and ways of life of different small island developing states that the prize-giving ceremony marking Sids day took place at the Roche Caiman community centre last Friday evening.

Primary and secondary schools all over the country who won prizes during activities organised to celebrate small islands developing states (Sids) on August 10 received their prizes after participating in a series of competitions based on these islands.

The prize-giving event was hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development.

Present at the ceremony were Jeanne Siméon, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development; Dr Odile de Commarmond, principal secretary (PS) for early childhood, primary and secondary school; Wills Agricole, PS for energy and climate change and Alain De Commarmond, PS for environment.

In order to learn about and appreciate Sids, four competitions were launched for school children and youths -- costume; dance; video and song.

In the costume competition, schools had to choose one or two Sids and had to design a traditional costume worn by people from that island.

For the video contest, participants had to answer the question ‘How can you champion girls’ or women's right in Sids?’ through a 1 to 3-minute long video.

The song contest wanted participants to produce a song on how working as a team Sids can achieve more.

Ever since the International Year of Sids commemorated in 2014 in Samoa, Seychelles has been celebrating the day annually to educate the population on Sids around the world.

Grand Anse Praslin primary and the Praslin secondary school won the song competition.

For the video competition, Amber Payet from Perseverance primary school and Nailah Lespoir of Belonie secondary school won in their respective category.

Au Cap primary won for traditional song while Anse Boileau won for secondary school.

Both Beau Vallon primary and secondary won the traditional costume competition.

Overall best Sids schools are Mont Fleuri primary and secondary.

The accompanying photos show students showcasing the traditional costumes of some small island states during the prize giving ceremony.