Nature Seychelles and Seychelles Maritime Academy have partnered for many years to offer work-based experiences on Cousin Island Special Reserve. Teachers Angelique Reddy and Vivek Vasu recently visited the island to assess the progress of two students in training. Angelique shares insights on her visit and the long-standing collaboration.
I had a truly memorable time on Cousin Island during my recent visit. It exceeded all my expectations and gave me a first-hand look at the island and the conservation and educational efforts going on there.
Along with my colleague, we left Praslin Island by boat and were picked up by Christopher Mahoune, a former student and now Chief Warden of Cousin Island. We arrived to a warm welcome from past and current students of the Academy and other staff.
I was immediately captivated by Cousin’s natural beauty. Words alone cannot fully express how breathtaking and serene the island is with its lush vegetation, wildlife, and an unspoiled coastline. It felt like stepping into a different world—one far removed from modern distractions.
Gaelle interacting with a tourist as part of her training (Photo: SMA)
We came to check in on Gaelle Charlette and Delialah Almaze, who are gaining work experience at Nature Seychelles, an opportunity the organization has generously offered for several years.
They have been on the island for more than a month as part of their training. Despite living in a somewhat rustic environment, they have adapted remarkably well. They have embraced Cousin Island wholeheartedly and adjusted to this unique setting.
Our academy prepares learners for such environments. They are groomed to understand and anticipate the realities of work on an island. While some learners may find it difficult to fully immerse themselves in this lifestyle, we’ve seen a lot of successes where learners thrive, learn to save money, acquire new skills, and appreciate the quieter pace.
We didn’t tour the entire island, but Gaelle took us to the key areas of work, while Delilah carried out other tasks.
They were treated like regular staff. It was inspiring to see them so fully engaged, working with the team, wearing uniforms, performing various tasks, and even gaining the admiration of tourists.
Delialah learning about tortoise monitoring
I was impressed by the depth of their knowledge, not just about maritime topics, but also about Cousin’s ecology. They enthusiastically shared information about the local flora and fauna, as well as ongoing conservation projects. Having the learners become our teachers was a refreshing reversal of roles.
One of the highlights of our visit was the emphasis on sustainable and environmental practices. We were immediately informed of the island’s “Dos and Don’ts” when we arrived. In such a pristine environment, every action contributes to the protection of the island’s delicate ecosystem.
We value the partnership with Nature Seychelles, which allows our students to gain this experience. While not every learner will adapt seamlessly to this work-based experience, many thrive in this setting and express a desire to continue working on islands, some even aspiring to explore opportunities on the outer islands of Seychelles. It demonstrates the strength of our work-based training programs, which prepare learners for careers in the maritime and conservation sectors, while encouraging personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper connection to nature.