Teachers’ Week Teachers’ art work depicted through exhibition |06 October 2023
«Sous cette canopée d’amour! Sous cette canopée des arts! » It is with this chant by guests that the art exhibition of arts teachers in Seychelles was officially launched on Wednesday evening, during a High Tea held in the SITE garden, Mont Fleuri.
The event featured on the Teachers’ Week calendar and was attended by distinguished guests including First Lady Linda Ramkalawan; the education minister Dr Justin Valentin; Chinese charge d’affaires, Mu Jianfeng; Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette; Chief of Staff of the Seychelles Defence Forces, Colonel Jean Atalla; and other high officials from the Ministry of Education.
This event was the first of its kind and showcased works of art produced by arts teachers from different state schools. Their works were displayed all around the garden for all to see.
To officially launch the exhibition, Minister Valentin acclaimed the idea of such an event stating it allows the teachers to demonstrate their power. Mr Valentin stressed that the use of ECA clubs where arts are taught, is important for the success of education.
For her part, the principal secretary for education services, Merna Eulentin, said the exhibition was to showcase the teachers’ talents since there were not enough forum where their hard work could be recognised and appreciated.
Jude Adelaide, an arts teacher from Baie Lazare School who is a specialist in ‘collage’, was one of the teachers whose work was on display. He has been teaching for 25 years and produces his work at home. His work depicted an old fisherman coming in from a fishing trip in an old pirogue. Mr Adelaide stated that he was inspired by his love for the sea as well as by the Seychellois culture.
Another artist whose work was on display was Nigel Camille, a teacher from La Misère primary, with 22 years of experience. He said that his work was inspired by the struggles of local ancestors, as it depicts slaves in chains. Mr Camille said hopefully his work will evoke a sense of connection with Seychelles’ history. He also wished the event would become an annual one to show that they do not only teach art, but they also have artistic talents. This will help motivate their students who love art, to work hard at it as well.
The guests were also impressed with the exhibition, and also hoped it would appear on the annual calendar.
During the ceremony, Eugenia Albert who recently launched her collection of poems, also presented a copy of her work to both Minister Valentin and PS Eulentin. She said the poems which can be source of inspirations during difficult times could also be used by teachers as teaching tool.
Mrs Albert also recited one of her poems entitled ‘Ansenyan’, which paid homage to teachers and their resilience despite their struggles.
The ministry has decided to buy a copy of the collection to be placed in each school.
The high tea included a cake cutting ceremony, and artistic performances of poems and song by the teachers themselves.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the activity.
Sheryl Kilindo
Photos by Louis Toussaint
