VICTORIA, Seychelles — International School Seychelles (ISS) has been recognised for its commitment to environmental stewardship in the International School Awards 2024, announced by ISC Research on Wednesday January 24. The school emerged as one of the 14 winners out of 245 international schools worldwide that took part in the annual event. They had been selected by an independent judging panel of 10 education experts. The framing of the award as a global recognition is being read as a significant milestone for the school, and for environmental education in Seychelles more broadly.
ISS had showcased its contribution towards the restoration and regeneration of wetland areas within the school premises and the local community. A short ceremony was organised yesterday at the school in Mont Fleuri to celebrate the victory and mark World Wetland Day on February 2. The ceremony included the screening of a video showing students and teachers busy working to restore the nearby wetland area at the school. The decision to tie the celebration to World Wetland Day is being read as a sign of the school’s intention to use the award as a platform to raise awareness, rather than simply as a trophy.
In her address, principal Elodie Vallantine said the International School Awards 2024 marks a significant milestone in the journey of many international schools. The accomplishment not only highlights the excellence of our institution but also signifies our dedication to be globally aware and socially responsible community, stated Ms Vallantine. She added that the intention behind applying for this award was not to win only, but a celebration for the school’s monumental work. Additionally, seven students who have been very active in wetland-related activities were also recognised and were each presented with a certificate.
The Eco leader at ISS, Susan Ansell, was represented with a token of R5,000 from the school as a sign of appreciation and recognition for her hard work for the last 20 years as the environment leader. This is a small token of our immense appreciation of the hard work, passion and transformative leadership she has brought to International School Seychelles, said Priscille Chetty, chairperson of ISS’ board of governors. Mrs Ansell has been involved with wetland restoration for the past five years, and has been in the school for 20 years, so she has seen a lot of developments in the wetlands.
The event included poems on the importance of wetlands. The International School Consultancy (ISC) Research is the sole research organisation worldwide which focuses on the English-medium international market, and has the most comprehensive current data and information on the world’s international schools. ISC Research has been collecting market data on international schools since 1994. The breadth of ISC Research’s role is being read as a sign of the prestige attached to the award, and the weight that the recognition carries within the international school community.
