Africa-Press – Seychelles. The countdown for the sailing event of the year has started. With a little under 20 days before a group of Seychellois women set sail to discover 18 bays in the inner islands, Fanm Seselwa – the organising committee behind the ‘Around Seychelles in 18 Bays’ project is pleased to present three more amazing women, the driving forces behind the ground-breaking project.
The project is the brainchild of a group of women, including members of Seychelles Women and Sports Association (Swasa) and the event is to be held on June 10 to coincide with World Oceans Day, to raise funds for charity.
Besides being a charity event, the project will be raising awareness on the versatility of ‘Fanm Seselwa’, the oceans and Liam’s Rainbow Foundation.
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Isabelle Ravinia – Conservationist, Event Organiser and chairwoman of the Around Seychelles in 18 Bays Project
The Around Seychelles in 18 Bays project was conceptualised to raise awareness about the marine environment. As a conservationist I am always looking for innovative ways to raise awareness about the environment and being inspired to organise such a sailing event fits perfectly into this quest. Protection of the environment is very close to my heart; I am a very patriotic person who believes that Seychelles is the most beautiful country in the world. I feel obliged to protect our biodiversity. I thank the Lord Almighty for choosing me along with five other gifted and talented women to organise this event. We are all working very hard to ensure that the event is a success and that all objectives set are achieved.
Majority of Seychellois do not realise that Seychelles is 99% sea, education on this vast territory of ours is lacking. We need to make our people realise the importance of the ocean to us small island states. Another component of the project is women in maritime, even though Seychellois women are emancipated our involvement in the maritime sector is quite limited, the field is quite male dominated. The event is providing a platform for the small number of women working in maritime to inspire younger females so that they too can join the sector. The event similarly provides a platform for the country to celebrate its high achieving women, those that have excelled in their fields. This is another mechanism being used to inspire other Seychelloise.
Around Seychelles in 18 Bays event is taking place in June to celebrate world oceans day, even if we live on planet earth our planet is in fact dominantly water, 75%. During the sailing event we will be joining the rest of the world to celebrate and appreciate all the seven oceans. Seychelles as a small oceanic state will be showing the world how important the ocean is to us.
As a parent I know very well the trauma and heartache associated with caring for a sick child, this is in fact every parent’s worst nightmare. As a mother I am convinced that I chose the right foundation to support. Liam’s Rainbow Foundation is doing a great job supporting the country’s sick children, they have big plans for the future and we should all do our part to support them. Children are our future and they should be well taken care of.
Around Seychelles in 18 Bays is a ground-breaking and historic event, something which has never been done before in the country. Every Seychellois has a stake in it, either you follow an inspirational Seychelloise, or you support a charitable cause, or help celebrate the ocean. Be sure to tune in to your TV screen to watch and support the country’s determined females as they brave the high seas, showing off their beauty and that of Seychelles’ all the while being an inspiration to others, while simultaneously raising funds for charity. If you miss the boat on June 10 you will live to regret it!
Erica Rangasamy, the Founder and chairperson of Liam’s Rainbow Foundation (LRF)
My name is Erica Rangasamy, the Founder and chairperson of Liam’s Rainbow Foundation (LRF). I decided to join Around Seychelles in 18 Bays, firstly because they came to us at LRF and said they believe in this Foundation and would like to make an impactful fund raising activity to support LRF. Secondly, as I listened to the beautiful concept of the Ocean Day Project and the amazing and unique concept of ladies sailing around Seychelles, it reminded me of one of Liam’s last wishes. This was for him to go on a boat trip. He did not get to do that because his body was too weak at that stage sadly. Liam’s last painting that he completed was the ‘Voyage’ which is actually a boat sailing in the ocean. This somehow seemed so unbelievable and got me excited in thinking this was preordained. I am personally very excited to get a little time of praise, worship before all the ladies set sail on June 10. Please do join us as we thank God for this beautiful event before the sailing off.
Anna-Lisa Labiche – Clinical Psychologist and member of Liam’s Rainbow Foundation
My name is Anna-Lisa Labiche. I am a Clinical Psychologist by profession and a member of the Liam’s Rainbow Foundation. So I have somewhat of dual purpose on this project. As a professional Seychellois woman, I am drawn to this event because it’s another moment to pause and reflect on my roles, my responsibilities and the contributions I make towards my community, through my position. I remind myself that to serve rightly, I have to remain humble and grateful. As a member of the Liam’s Rainbow Foundation, I’m drawn to this charity event because it is about raising fund for a project that has our community at heart. So being able to join all those powerful Seychellois women, I am truly honoured.
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