VICTORIA, Seychelles — A cultural exchange programme between Seychelles and Rodrigues is currently underway, organised by Entreprendre au Féminin Océan Indien in collaboration with the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council, CEPS and local artisans. The activities are taking place over two days, Tuesday March 25 and Wednesday March 26, 2025, at the Vye Marmit restaurant located at Domaine Val des Près, from 9:30am to 14:30pm.
A delegation of seven women from Rodrigues was invited to share their expertise in various fields of craftsmanship, particularly macramé, crochet and the weaving of vacoas fibres. They are accompanied by Marie Joëlle Perrine, an industrial analyst at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Commission for Industrial Development of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. ‘We started the process in 2024, and we received the applications of this group that is currently in Seychelles,’ she explained.
Ms Perrine added that initiatives should come directly from the entrepreneurs, who are encouraged to make contact with associations to organise such events. ‘They receive part of the expenses.’ Ms Benjamine Rose, executive director of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council, said her council fully supports women entrepreneurs. The artisans from Rodrigues also brought some finished products for a small exhibition, including vacoas bags, cloth toys and various objects made from local materials. Karen Nolin, a young Seychellois entrepreneur who makes cotton bags, expressed her enthusiasm for the exchange, saying she is interested in learning more about different craft practices. The women will also visit Praslin to enrich their experience and strengthen friendship and collaboration ties between artisans of the two islands.
