On the morning of Saturday 25th October 2025, Members of the Seychelles Cohort of the Parlement Regional des Jeunes de L’Indianoceanie (PRJIO) attended a Sitting of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly (SYNA), following the 5th Sitting of the 20th Cohort presided by Deputy Speaker Young Hon. Jefferson Isaac.
The first Motion under consideration by the SNYA, moved by Young Hon. Amy Hoareau, proposed that the Ministry of Education, together with other relevant partners, develop a strategic plan to address the issue of sexual and physical harassment, which has become increasingly alarming in schools. The debate called on action by the youth for the youth, as the drivers of change in educational institutions. Young Members touched on the importance of gender equality, and acknowledging the often-invisible effects of trauma on both young boys and girls. A primary cause for objection and abstention, as put forward by several Young Members, was the repetition of the objectives of the motion with calls for fellow Members to put forward more relevant and creative motions for debate. With 12 votes in favour and 8 Abstentions, the Motion was passed.
The second Motion considered, moved by Young. Hon. Liam D’Unienville, proposed that the government and relevant partners increase environmental awareness campaigns to promote eco-friendly behaviour among youth and all citizens. The debate commenced with a variety of creative propositions such as the use of social media platforms, or the creation of local TV shows or cartoons, as a unique way of engaging with the youth and inculcating the values of eco-friendly behaviour from a young age. The deterioration of cultural values and symbolism, such as small-scale octopus fishing and breadfruit trees being affected by environmental changes, was noted as potentially impacting our traditional ways of life as well as our tourism industry as we face the potential loss of our heritage. The debate was thorough and ended in a positive right-of-reply by Hon. D’Unienville who thanked his fellow colleagues for their inputs and solutions, emphasising that it was such discussions that would lead to tangible change for the country. With 19 votes in favour and 1 abstention, the Motion was passed.
PRJIO Member Ms. Elgin Crea remarked that “there is a lot of potential for engagement with the SNYA. This morning, we had the opportunity to meet with many young people who are interested and engaged with us, and attentive to nationally sensitive issues such as environmental protection which especially resonates with me personally as a conservationist.” Fellow PRJIO Member Ms. Camilla Cupidon also emphasised that “the deliberations and solutions brought forward by the SNYA were effective and valuable to us as the PRJIO. We are taking note of key points raised and look forward to amplifying the voices of our national youth representatives.”
Following the Sitting, the SYNA were introduced to the present Members of the PRJIO Seychelles Cohort, namely Ms. Camilla Cupidon, Ms. Nadisha Malbrook, Mr. Fredo Dubel, Ms. Elgin Crea, and Mr. Steve Monnaie. The Members introduced themselves and the primary objectives of the PRJIO. It was emphasized that collaboration between both the national and regional youth representatives was vital in ensuring that all voices are heard, and the real issues impacting the youth are addressed in the appropriate forums. The SNYA Members had a brief Q&A session, where they inquired into the PRJIO and the requirements needed to join once the existing Cohort’s mandate is completed.
Young Speaker Hon. D’Unienville commented that “We as the SNYA recognise the PRJIO as the regional voice for our youth here in Seychelles. Taking the example of this morning’s motion – environmental protection is an issue that affects us all, from the national level to the Indian Ocean Region, and even to the international visitors that frequent our countries. It is important to continue developing our relationship with the PRJIO, especially outside of the Chamber in national events, social activities, and opportunities where both groups can come together to discuss the pressing issues facing our youths today.”
