VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles National Commission for the Francophonie officially launched the Francophonie Festival 2025 yesterday morning at a ceremony at the Mont Fleuri Theatre, under the theme ‘I learn, therefore I act’. The international event was marked by the presence of distinguished guests, including the French Ambassador to Seychelles Olivier Berkeley-Christmann, the president of the Commission David André, the Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister of Education Dr Justin Valentin, and the Minister of Local Government and Community Development Rose-Marie Houareau.
The president of the Seychelles National Commission for the Francophonie, also secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, said the theme chosen this year is simple but powerful. ‘This theme reminds us that education is much more than a fundamental right, but the engine of individual and collective progress. Education is the light that illuminates the path of knowledge,’ Mr André stated. The French Ambassador highlighted that the theme puts the central role of education in a constantly evolving technological world in the spotlight.
The ceremony also featured several performances, including songs interpreted by Lauren, Josh and Alex, as well as poems, skits and dances by the Diamond Dancers. There was also a Zumba titled ‘C’est la vie’. The secretary general of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, shared in a video that the day is dedicated to quality education, particularly in the face of the challenges of an increasingly complex world. The activities for the Francophonie had already begun with the Olympiades in schools, and continue today with an exhibition at the National Library and a Francophone culinary festival at the Alliance Française des Seychelles.
