Africa-Press – Seychelles. Monuments remind us of our heritage and they are like a treasure for a nation and symbol of pride of their civilisation, while they also help us to appreciate our past and the level of development, knowledge and thoughts.
It is in this spirit that the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council (SNHRC) is organising a series of activities to commemorate the heritage week which also features the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, which is celebrated each year on April 18.
It was in 1982 that the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) declared April 18 as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, followed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) adoption during its 22nd General Conference, the same year.
Each year, on this occasion, ICOMOS proposes a theme for activities to be organised by its members, ICOMOS National and International Scientific Committees, working groups and partners as well as anyone who wants to join in marking the Day.
This year, the theme is Heritage and Climate.
To kick-start its calendar of activities, the SNHRC hosted a history talk entitled ‘Our National Monument ‒ Chapter of our History’ by local historian Tony Mathiot and other staff of the council.
The event held at the National Museum of History in Victoria brought together kids from various primary schools, along with history enthusiasts who learned more on various national monuments, including their background and significanceand also on how they provide life to our past.
Those present had the chance to learn more on the Pierre Poivre bust monument, the Bel Air Cemetery, the Diamond Jubilee Fountain, the Clock Tower, the Museum Building, the Liberty House and the Post Office Building among other national monuments.
They also had the chance to hear a personal account of the Venn’s Town Site from Georgette Larue and also the sharing of experience from the caretaker of the Victoria Clock Tower Guy Emilie.
The activities will continue next week with a tour of the Domaine de Val des Près, the cleaning of the Caveaux Hossein on La Digue by Heritage Club students.
This is in preparation to do an adoption programme with the heritage club students of La Digue school and L’Union Estate, to manage the cleanliness of this particular site.
There will also be the unveiling of viewpoint and foot path access for the disabled at Mission Lodge, Venn’s Town and this is an ongoing development plan to add value to the heritage site and ensure inclusivity to all.
The cleaning of the leprosy colony site on Curieuse Island is also on the calendar, and this will be carried out in partnership with the Seychelles Parks and Garden Authority and it is in line with the SNHRC’s effort to work in close collaboration with their partners to clean and maintain heritage sites.
The calendar of activities also features a song competition launched by non-governmental organisation the Fondasyon Kiltir Sesel (FKS) as part of its contribution towards the cultural awareness of the general public.
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