Young leaders gear up for community work
10.09.2009
A group of young people who are following the Seychelles Young Leaders Programme (SYLP) have learned more about community development as they gear up for a one-month working attachment in the district administration offices.
The activity is a module in the two-year programme, which will be completed in December.
The briefing was conducted last Saturday at Oceangate House by principal secretary for community development Olsen Vidot and director general of the Community Management Division Marie-Celine Vidot.
Also present were principal secretary in the Vice-President’s Office Lucy Athanasius and SYLP programme manager Joel de Commarmond.
The aim of the one-month attachment from November 16 to December 16, 2009 is to give the young people taking part a unique opportunity to develop their skills with regard to working effectively with others in the districts.
It will also give them the chance to be “truly connected” and more responsive to the respective communities and the particular needs within them, thus allowing them to take an active leadership role in the spirit of coming together with their fellow Seychellois in the districts.
They are also expected to observe the interaction process in the community, to better understand the values and actions of older leaders there and work together with them.
Talking about the meeting, Mrs Vidot said her department is a key partner in the programme in which those taking part aspire to become leaders in the future.
She said through the attachments in district administration offices, they will be exposed to what is happening in the communities and also gain some leadership experience.
She described their contributions as excellent, adding that they played an active part in the meeting.
“Those taking part need to know that in a community there are different expectations, needs, demands and setbacks, hence it is important for them to go on the attachment and experience it for themselves,” said Mrs Vidot.
Through the presentation, the 26 young leaders learned more about the components of community development in Seychelles. They were briefed on its different functions and on the mission of the department.
Among the recommendations put forward were a need for more emphasis on the public-private partnership and the possibility of rotating district administrators. They also proposed that the Community Development Department keep a database of the population in the different districts.
The trainees expressed appreciation for the structure and work of the department in the community but strongly recommended that more be done via the media to educate the public on the functions of the district administration offices and let them know that these offices are not affiliated with politics but cater for all.
One of the young people following the programme, Gerard Edmond, who is now employed by Air Seychelles, said they are being formed to become young leaders and believe the attachment at district level will help them to understand the needs of the public and of society.
He said after the meeting he now has a better understanding of the district administration offices and the role of community development.
Mr Edmond took the chance to call on the leaders of society to help them in their future endeavours and to work with them for the country’s further progress.
He also advised those who have applied for the programme to take the opportunity available to them as it is an ideal way to move forward in life for anyone who has a vision.
Mr de Commarmond said the trainees will not be placed in their home district but will go out and meet new people in other communities.
He said that each district has its own characteristics, and those following the programme need to get to know other communities and not remain in their own comfort zone.
Talking about the first batch of youngsters in the SYLP, Mr de Commarmond said they have proved themselves, and their contribution in all activities has been promising.
He said people should understand that these youngsters will not automatically be placed in high positions when they complete the programme, but they will be expected to use what they have learned in their workplace and share it with their colleagues until an opportunity for promotion presents itself.
Mr de Commarmond added that if they prove their leadership ability in their current position, like anybody else they will get the chance to move up the career ladder.