SHF and culture department organise exchange session for ADD   |14 August 2021

A group of keen students watch as a seasoned artisan show them the ropes (Photo: Jude Morel)

On the occasion of African Decentralisation and Local Development Day (ADD), the Seychelles Heritage Foundation (SHF) and culture department organised a session, in which some local artisans had the opportunity to share their invaluable knowledge, techniques, tips and tricks with a group of youngsters.

Observed under the theme ‘The contribution of arts and culture to the sustainable development of African cities and territories’, the activity saw a group of keen students from the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD) and others from the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), learning to craft traditional items, using only local raw materials.

Two artisans were present for the half-day event, held from 9am to 2pm at the National History Museum, to teach the younger ones their ways. The principal idea behind the session was to equip the younger generations with the knowledge towards earning a living by using their newly acquired skills, and keeping alive artisanship locally.

Among the materials on-hand for them to try were of course coconut leaves, from which they weaved baskets, purses and other small crafts which could be easily recreated at no cost, but sold for a profit to either locals or visitors.

African Decentralisation and Local Development Day is observed on August 10 annually by all member states of the African Union (AU).

This year’s celebrations aim to sensitise and inform the general public, provide a platform for the sharing of positive experiences and good practices among member states, and to recognise and encourage cities and territories that excel in the implementation of remarkable actions in the arts, culture and heritage.

Of the three themes from which cities and member states could choose to address in their celebrations were firstly to use art and culture as levers for social inclusion and the promotion of a sense of belonging and oneness, or to secondly, mobilise the energy of youths to boost contribution of cultural and creative industries in job creation and sustainable development. Lastly, members could choose to reflect, or organise activities based on the third sub-theme, developing activities around cultural heritage as a way to build city identity and to promote city branding and territorial marketing.

A report on the way the day was organised is expected to be prepared and submitted to the AU Commission by October 11.

Laura Pillay