VICTORIA, Seychelles — Eleven students and four teachers from Mont Fleuri, Belonie, Praslin secondary schools, Beau Vallon, Baie Sainte Anne and Baie Lazare primary have returned from an educational trip to Aldabra sponsored by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. The top three eco-schools in the primary and secondary categories, who won the trip following their participation in last year’s eco-school competition, departed for Aldabra last Sunday and returned yesterday afternoon.
Lhea Philoe, a student from Belonie secondary, said the experience was unforgettable. ‘I saw a variety of species on land, in the sea and in the air. I feel very honoured to have experienced something like this. One of my favourite moments was when we got to see the sharks and the giant tortoises,’ she said. The students took part in treasure hunts, camping, touring around the island, and lessons on the history of the Aldabra atolls, with the importance of protection and conservation heavily emphasised throughout.
Seychelles Islands Foundation communications officer Corinna Julie said the foundation has been sponsoring trips to Aldabra for over 25 years. ‘We wanted to show students what we do on Aldabra besides research and logistics. We also have a manager, a chef and people in charge of tourism on the island. Through a survey we have observed that most of our previous participants have taken a career either directly or indirectly related to conservation. This shows that visits to Aldabra can be life-changing,’ she said.
