The youth of Seychelles took centre stage Monday night (October 6),  at the International Conference Centre, where 65 young people were recognised at the 2003 Seychelles Youth Awards.

Organised by the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYA), the award ceremony honoured youths that have built success for themselves either through schoolwork or a promising career path.

The ceremony presented youth with awards across a few different categories.

Positive Youth Image awards were given out to students in various secondary schools, the National College of the Arts, the Seychelles Polytechnic and various training centres for excellence in academics and exemplary citizenship.  The students from each school were nominated through a joint effort between the school management and student committees.

In addition, a number of young professionals in several ministries were awarded Career Excellence Awards for their outstanding track records and service throughout their developing careers.

Education and Youth Minister Danny Faure, principal secretary for the health ministry, Marja MacGaw, and Social Affairs and Employment Minister Dolor Ernesta presented the awards to the recipients in their respective fields.

Cash prizes for the top three award winners – R1,000 for third prize, R2,000 for second and R3,000 for the top prize – were presented to the recipients in each ministry.

The police force recognised its top young performers as well, with Janet Thelermont, gold medallist in weightlifting at the Indian Ocean Games, winning first prize.

Several young people were also given a Special Youth Award, which came with a R2,000 cash prize.

Dan Frichot, the secretary general for the SNYC, said that the Special Youth Awards were for those who excelled not only in their careers, but who gave much of their time to worthwhile causes in the community for the development of the country.

Before the award presentation ceremonies, Stephanie Morin, a Seychelles Youth Award winner from last year, spoke briefly about her experiences after winning the award, which included a group trip to Singapore, and described the friendships that she developed as a result.

According to Mr Frichot, a one-week expedition to Silhouette, sponsored by the Islands Development Corporation and the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces, is being organised for this year’s winners.

The evening was capped with performances from local young musicians, such as acoustic duo Harmonics, and a video screening of “I can” by American rap star Nas.

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