VICTORIA, Seychelles — A story titled ‘Tousala akoz en fourset plastik!’ by Elna Etienne-Kumar has won the Danny Faure Foundation (DFF) storytelling competition ‘Losean Parti Mon Lavi’. Elna received her prize in a short ceremony held on Wednesday at the Eden Bleu Hotel. The competition celebrates six Seychellois authors who have written original stories inspired by the ocean.
All submissions were reviewed by an independent panel of judges chaired by Jeanne Simeon, chairperson of the Seychelles Association of Retired Education Professionals (Sarep). The panel comprised five individuals from diverse professional and creative backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and insight to the judging process. Open to all Seychellois aged 21 and above, the competition forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing strategy to use the arts as a powerful medium for raising awareness on ocean conservation.
‘I was in shock when I first learned that I won first place. It’s the first time I submit one of my writings in a competition like this and I can say that I am very happy that something that I’ve been working on with my heart has received this recognition,’ Mrs Etienne-Kumar said. Her inspiration came from a simple yet powerful thought: that every small action we take has an effect on the ocean, whether we notice it or not. Second place went to Gabriella Gonthier for ‘The Sea Between Us’, third to Brigitte Savy for ‘Patrick en Zanmi Losean’, and fourth to Julia Hoareau for ‘Daughter of the Sea’. Kelly Albert and Dr Jemma Simeon received fifth and sixth places respectively.
