Carah Loveday wins Positive Youth Image Award 2019 |29 August 2020

Loveday in a souvenir photograph with Designated Minister Mondon, Ms Belmont and PS Palmyre (Photo: Thomas Meriton)

Carah Loveday has been awarded as the overall winner of the Positive Youth Image Award 2019 in a ceremony held at Bliss Hotel on Thursday evening.

The event was attended by Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, principal secretary for youth and sports Fabian Palmyre, principal secretary for local government Marie-Celine Vidot-Jeannevole, principal secretary for poverty alleviation Alvin Laurence and chief executive of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) Penny Belmont.

The awards were divided in four categories – secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, youths on district level and youths from affiliated groups – who were all recognised for their positive contributions and differences they make in their respective schools and communities.

Loveday was among the five finalists who had been handpicked by their mentors for their exemplary behaviour, positive influence among their peers and active involvement in schools, districts as well as on national and even international platforms.

The 20-year-old’s achievement comes a mere few weeks after she was also rewarded with the President’s Cup during the School of Advanced Level Studies (Sals) graduation, an award which highlighted her academic achievements and engagements in school and national activities.

The Positive Youth Image award has been an ongoing event on the SNYC’s Youth Festival event since 1999, with the aim of celebrating young people who do outstanding work in their communities.

Aside from best overall, Loveday was also awarded for best youth from Sals.

The other four finalists who were vying for best overall youth were Hitcham Hoareau (best youth for Au Cap, best youth for Stand Up Step Up Seychelles, best youth for SNYC affiliated organisation); Gyra Derjacques (best youth for English River secondary and best youth for secondary category); Rania Cushion (best youth for Glacis, best youth for district category) and Ivan Capricieuse (best youth for inner islands).

Loveday described her back-to-back awards as testimonies of her involvement in numerous activities with Stand up Step up Seychelles, with her former school and within her community.

“I feel really proud and I am also proud of everyone who have received a prize tonight. I have been an active participant at my school and other organisations I am affiliated with such as Stand Up Step Up, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that they have given me,” said Loveday.

Now on the verge of pursuing a degree in Malaysia, Loveday advised other youths to get more involved in their communities and at school.

“Education is not only acquired through books and academic excellence but also through various activities where you get to learn more about your country, others and yourself,” she added.

The Positive Youth Award ceremony was animated by various artists such as Taniah and the Emergency Crew.

Elsie Pointe