Stories of Seychelles given new value |31 July 2010

This was said by principal secretary for culture Raymonde Onezime at the opening of a three-day workshop on the subject.

The seminar, held at the National Cultural Centre, was organised by the Department of Culture in collaboration with the Kozé Conté association from Reunion.

Formed six years ago, Kozé Conté aims to promote these types of story and to develop among its programmes the Mémoires orales de l’Océan Indien.

A group of 18 trainees from various bodies took part in the workshop, which aims to value the heritage and importance of our tales and legends as they form part of our oral tradition.

Those present included first counsellor at the French embassy Gilles Pommeret, French ambassador in Seychelles Philippe Delacroix, principal secretary for social development Linda William and for community development Olsen Vidot, and representatives of Kozé Conté Daniel Bergeault, Suzéle Cuvelier and Georges Cuvelier.

Others attending were staff of the National Library, representatives of the departments of culture, social development and community development, teachers, primary pupils, poets and members of several culture-related associations.

In her opening speech, Mrs Onezime said the workshop is part of the bilateral cooperation between Seychelles and Reunion.

Seychelles recognises the importance of such sessions in its efforts to better understand, preserve, promote and develop our cultural heritage, she added.

She described Soungoula and Pti Jean as the two characters who lead Seychellois stories, and said such tales can be used as part of academic support in schools as they can help students to enjoy listening and develop attention, a sense of imagination and concentration.

Mrs Onezime said the workshop is a chance to bring the two countries closer, and those attending are among those who will be involved in developing society in the future.

She also paid tribute to those who contribute to preserving and valuing the stories of Seychelles.
During the workshop, an inventory was expected to be drawn up of the tales and stories of Seychelles to see what still exists and what was around in previous years.

The session also aimed to help storytellers and identify one to represent Seychelles at the second Festival de Contes ‘Paroles du Sud’ to be held in Reunion in September.

Addressing those present at the opening ceremony, Mr Bergeault said a story is a sensitive experience which reveals creativity and imagination.

Mr Pommeret said the workshop is an illustration of the dynamic relations, especially in cultural topics, between the island states of the Indian Ocean, particularly Seychelles and Reunion.

He said stories are a fantastic mode of transmitting traditions, knowledge, morals and imagination, and are powerful instruments to serve cultural diversity.

M.B.