The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, hosted the Award Ceremony for Gold Standard of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at State House yesterday afternoon, where 44 Seychellois youths were awarded with their Gold Standard. 

During the ceremony, the Chairperson of the National Awards Authority and Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports, Mr Fabian Palmyre, and the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs Mitcy Larue, congratulated the youths present for their hard work and dedication. This was followed by the presentation of certificates and pins to the Gold Stand recipients by President Faure.

On behalf of the Gold Standard recipients, Ms Kwantema Simara delivered the vote of thanks by retracing their journey of self-development through the programme. She highlighted how they worked hard to overcome challenges and trials, and expressed the sense of pride they feel after having achieved their goal. 

“Being awarded our Gold Award today signifies our rite of passage from being mere participants to proud achievers. We will be no longer looked upon as young people only, but as men and women capable of contributing our fair share towards the continued success of Seychelles. We have set ourselves very high standards and it is our responsibility to maintain it as we are now Ambassadors of the Award programme,” said Ms Simara. 

Also present for the ceremony at State House was the Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Mr Joel Morgan, the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs Mitcy Larue, the British High Commissioner to Seychelles, Ms Caron Rohsler, Chairperson of the National Awards Authority and Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports, Mr Fabian Palmyre, the Chief Executive officer for the Seychelles National Youth Council, Mr Alvin Laurence, parents of Award recipients and other distinguished guests.