The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, commemorated on 13th October celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness of the risks that they face.

For the occasion, amongst other activities, the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), organised an arts competition for primary, secondary and post-secondary students.

The aim of the competition is to increase the awareness of the global environment through drawings and paintings of young people’s understanding of disaster risk reduction, the impact of climate change and the need for joint efforts in protecting the planet and preventing hazards.

Students were invited to enter the competition in primary 4 to 6, secondary 1 & 2, 3 & 4, secondary 5 and post-secondary categories.

Prizes were presented to the winners this afternoon in a ceremony at Alliance Française des Seychelles, Mont Fleuri in the presence of the Director General of the DRMD, Robert Ernesta, partners of the DRMD such as Ministry of Education, Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs, sponsors, teachers and the prize winners.

The winners are as follows:

CATEGORY P4 TO P6

Winner – Micah Felix, Baie Lazare Primary

Second Place – Vanouchkah Soazara, Bel Ombre Primary

Third Place – Jehden Boniface, Bel Ombre Primary

Recognition of Effort – Saeed Yamaan, Bel Ombre Primary

Recognition of Effort – Ruby Mein, Bel Ombre Primary

CATEGORY S1 & S2

Winner – Habeeba Rebuck, Mont Fleuri Secondary

Second Place – Asher Rath, Mont Fleuri Secondary

Third Place – Keddy Toulon, Belonie Secondary

Recognition of Effort – Lea Laboudalon, Beau Vallon Secondary

CATEGORY S3 & S4

Winner – Shania Pierre, Mont Fleuri Secondary

Second Place- Didiana Bristol, Anse Boileau Secondary

Third Place – Emma Course, Belonie Secondary

Recognition of Effort – Naila Dodin, Anse Boileau Secondary

CATEGORY POST-SECONDARY

Winner – Caleb Simeon, Seychelles Institute of Technology

Second Place – Aailah Dugasse, Seychelles Institute of Art and Design

STAR PRIZE WINNER – Shania Pierre, Mont Fleuri Secondary

The best paintings were chosen by a panel of judges from the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Department of Environment, Ministry of Internal Affairs and the DRMD.

The prizes were sponsored by a number of different organisations such as the Alliance Française, H Savy Insurance, Seychelles Trading Company, Unique Boutique and Semi-Sub Seychelles.