VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, has hosted an art competition called Art Talent Quest at the Botanical Garden, showcasing the creativity of primary school pupils from the North and Central Regions of Mahé. The Art Talent Quest brought together pupils from nine schools including La Rosière, La Retraite, Bel Eau, Glacis, Plaisance, Anse Etoile, Bel Ombre, Independent School, and Mont Fleuri.
In the competition, two students from each school were paired and tasked with selecting a specific area of the Botanical Garden to interpret through a joint painting. The activity was designed not only to test artistic ability but also to strengthen teamwork and communication. Pupils had to listen to one another, share ideas respectfully, and divide responsibilities, while the natural setting encouraged participants to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.
First Lady Veronique Herminie attended the prize-giving ceremony and presented awards to the top three teams. La Retraite primary school took first place with Dulya Madapathage and Rajest Sopha impressing judges with their clear composition and attention to detail in depicting the Botanical Garden pathway. Second place went to Glacis primary school, and third place to Anse Etoile primary school.
The competition was overseen by three judges: Colbert Nourrice, Neil Leon, and Christian Toussaint, who evaluated each piece based on creativity, teamwork, composition, and time management. Judge Toussaint highlighted the importance of students expressing themselves through painting itself, noting that the students really gave their best.
Patricia Saminadin, director of the Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities Section, explained that the competition began in 2024 at the secondary level, and the inclusion of primary pupils recognises that younger students also have significant talents worth showcasing. The event demonstrates the growing emphasis on arts education in Seychelles’ school system.
Art Talent Quest provides a vital platform for nurturing young artistic talent in Seychelles.
