Nature Seychelles and the Ministry of Education open Port Glaud Primary’s environmental activity centre
Nature Seychelles, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, launched an environmental education activity centre at Port Glaud Primary School on Thursday, June 13, 2024. It is the second centre of this kind in Seychelles, following the successful launch of another in April at Anse Boileau Secondary School.
Celebratory group photo
The centre, part of the LEAP (Locally Empowered Area Protection) Project funded by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI) and supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was inaugurated by Minister for Education Dr. Justin Valentin. He was joined by Peter Manyara, Regional Partnership Manager for Coastal and Ocean Resilience at IUCN, government officials, civil society members, parents, students, and special guests.
Corinne Julie, LEAP’s Technical Manager, explained that the activity centre serves as a hub for the LEAP Junior Club, an environmental education program launched two years ago in the school in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
“We intended to cultivate positive attitudes towards natural resources by educating and equipping children. The club has engaged 60 students in interactive learning about the ocean, biodiversity, and conservation in the Baie Ternay and Port Launay Marine National Parks. Currently, the school has 25 active LEAP Junior members who we hope will use this dedicated space for environmental education activities.”
Corinne Julie
Minister for Education Dr. Justin Valentin
In his remarks, Minister Valentin lauded the program for inspiring and empowering children, who make the best ambassadors for the environment by imparting their knowledge to parents and other adults. He said he hoped students would expand their horizons beyond Seychelles borders.
“We need to see more scientists emerging from this quest and more students in Seychelles going onto bigger platforms to talk about the environment. We want the voice of Seychellois students to be heard,” he said, encouraging them to use the activity centre for public speaking, exhibitions, and teaching others.
Dr Justin Valentin
The LEAP project aims to strengthen coastal and marine socio-ecological resilience and biodiversity conservation in the Western Indian Ocean, with initiatives in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Seychelles.
Mr Manyara presented certificates to club members
Mr. Peter Manyara from IUCN’s Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa said the club provides a unique opportunity for young learners to advance nature science literacy and habits. “Their early understanding of how nature works will cement and catalyse their growth in conservation now and in the future,” he said.
Dr Nirmal Shah, Nature Seychelles Chief Executive (R) and Leap Junior Club Member Stacy Samson who was the MC for the day
Dr. Nirmal Shah, Chief Executive of Nature Seychelles, explained that the project focus was on the co-management of the two marine parks in the Port Glaud district, a concept that has been challenging to advance despite it being a policy and in the law. In spite of these difficulties, Nature Seychelles committed to influencing the next generation of citizens and practitioners so that they understand what shared stewardship of nature means, and to take responsibility of managing their own environment. This aligns with the principles outlined in the Constitution of Seychelles. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in instilling this important notion in the LEAP Junior Clubs, and with teachers and parents.
Emeline Riaz, the school's head teacher
In her vote of thanks, headteacher Emeline Riaz celebrated the LEAP Junior Club as a testament to collaboration and a shared vision for a better future. She extended gratitude to the project team as well as club facilitators, Ms. Jenny Labaleine and Ian Nibourette, for their pivotal roles.