VICTORIA, Seychelles — As part of ongoing activities to mark Education Week 2024, a religious interfaith community gathering was held at the Ministry of Education Garden on Sunday morning under the theme ‘Let us sing for Peace’. The gathering was led by the two masters of ceremony, John Florentine and Gina Adelaide, and was attended by the Minister for Education, Dr Justin Valentin, principal secretary of Education Services, Merna Eulentin, and principal secretary for Education Sector Development, John Lesperance. The service brought together a wide cross-section of the educational and faith communities.
A myriad of poems, songs and prayers that put heavy emphasis on peace were delivered throughout the event. The service was animated by the ‘Melodi Lafanmiy’ choir hailing from Grand Anse Mahe, with their selection of gospel tunes. They were occasionally joined by the Plaisance Boys Choir who sung their hearts out. Other input came from Father Eric Léon, who read a bible verse and sang along with the children, and Doreen Nancy, with a short prayer followed by an instrumental version of ‘Make me a channel of your peace’.
Guests were also treated to a sketch performed by students from various schools showcasing many biblical figures of relevance, including Mary and Joseph, in an incident that ended in peace instead of fighting. To cap off the event, the audience was asked to pick out a symbol of hope from a tray and share with other participants. The symbols included a peace flag, a dove and a pigeon. Participants took the symbols home as a reminder of the morning’s theme and of the personal commitment they had made to peace.
When addressing the guests, senior education officer, Erica Derjaques-Inacio, said the event should be a way for the participants to let their hearts walk the durable path of harmony. Together, let us continue to embark on a voyage where we will eliminate negative thoughts and reflect and celebrate together the transformational power that education has. This will give us a durable peace, she said. The remarks were seen as a call to embed the theme of peace into the everyday work of schools and of families, beyond the symbolic gestures of the morning.
In his closing remarks, Minister Valentin commended the entire team that planned the event, stating the service has surpassed his expectations. The one word that I want you and the church to stick to is ‘peace’. It is the one word we have used over and over again today and it means something, he said. For her part, PS Eulentin conveyed that it was an honour for her to witness such a spiritual event. She had special thanks for the group of men making up the ‘Melodi Lafanmiy’ band, noting that she enjoyed seeing men in the service. She added that she was also grateful that children were the ones leading sermons and services, stating she has a lot of hope for them.
