BGF#3
Type: Small
SeyCCAT strategic objective: 5
Lead Project Partner: SIDS Youth AIMS Hub – Seychelles
Summary:
The emerging importance of the ocean has led to many countries seeking innovative methods of conserving the ocean, as well as building capacity geared towards new job opportunities and businesses presented by the Blue Economy (BE).
With Seychelles having pioneered the concept of the Blue Economy and currently the champion for the development of the Blue Economy (BE) in Africa, we must continue to be the global leader in the sustainable development of our ocean economy. As such it is imperative that Seychellois youth are kept at the forefront of this development.
In 2016, the SIDS Youth AIMS Hub (SYAH), a youth-led NGO promoting sustainable development through youth-led projects, launched the ‘Blue Economy Internship Programme’ (BEIP) initiative. This initiative serves to promote sustainable development opportunities for young people in the BE by exposing them to opportunities within the existing framework. BEIP address 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals i.e. SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls) SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and SDG 14 (Life below water)
The programme enables Seychellois youth aged between 15-30 years old to undertake a two-week internship in different local organizations that fall within the BE sector. As a merit-based programme, BEIP introduces youth from all types of backgrounds to the myriad of career opportunities offered by the BE. The programme is open to youth from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Ensuring unbiased and equal access to all youth is fundamental to the programme. Hence all interns are provided with an allowance to cover food and transportation costs throughout the internship.
BEIP creates opportunities to obtain on-the-job experience whilst also raising awareness about the BE among youth and the wider public. During the entire programme BEIP interns are tasked in keeping a record of their day-to-day experiences and newly acquired knowledge using creative methods such as writing blogs or creating voxpops. These are subsequently published on social media and the SYAH website, helping to sensitise the public on the Blue Economy. The programme also incorporates an entrepreneurial stream whereby participants are encouraged to identify gaps within the sector and conceptualize business opportunities it provides.
Since 2016, SYAH-Seychelles has run 3 editions of the programme. The programme has seen the participation of 85 youth, many of whom have obtained further internship or job opportunities within their host organizations or proceeded for further studies within the BE spectrum. Every year, the programme has seen a substantial increase in the number of applications received (31% and 42% in 2017 and 2018 respectively) as demand and interest grows among the youth.
An increase in organisations volunteering to host interns has also been observed for every edition (2 new host organisations approaching SYAH to join the programme every year). This demonstrates the important value of the BEIP to organisations as well. The organisations that currently host our interns are:
- Blue Economy Research Institute
- British High Commission
- Eden Island Village Management Association
- Hunt Deltel
- Indian Ocean Tuna
- Island Conservation Society
- Marine Conservation Society Seychelles
- Seychelles Air Force
- Seychelles Bureau of Standards
- Seychelles Coast Guard
- Seychelles Energy Commission
- Seychelles Fishing Authority
- Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration
- Seychelles Ports Authority
- Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Foundation
- SOCOMEP
- WiseOceans
The success of BEIP has led to its endorsement from the Vice-President of Seychelles, as well as, its support from the Commonwealth as an exemplary youth-led initiative to be replicated in other countries.
SeyCCAT funds: SR 99,697.55
Co-financing: SR 18, 750
Duration: 01/10/2019 – 01/03/2020.
Project Application Form: SeyCCAT-BGF-Concept-Note_BEIP 4th Edition_SYAH-docx
Environment and social management Plan: Environmental and Social Management Plan for SeyCCAT_BEIP_4th Submission_Clean_Final
Results
Objective 1: Decrease youth unemployment . 27 students aged 15- 19 years old obtained work experience through BEIP. A few (approx 3) have extended their internship for the duration of the entire holiday at their discretion and that of the employer. Although not yet entered the world of work; it is likely that this experience will facilitate their employment in the future thereby decreasing youth unemployment.
Objective 2: Develop entrepreneurial skills of youth. The interns have submitted their assignments. Some of them (numbers to be confirmed) have submitted project proposals/business ideas. Hence BEIP has stimulated the development of their entrepreneurial skills. Ms Mousbe proposed the creation of pharmaceutical products from sea cucumbers and sustain the stock with aquaculture and Ms Joubert proposed re-thinking packaging by identifying sources of edible packaging.
Objective 3: Raise awareness among Seychellois, especially youth, on the myriad of career and business opportunities within the BE. Articles about the programme and the social activity held were covered in the local media raising awareness about the career and business opportunities. Interns produced the blogs and vlogs which were published online; further sensitising Seychellois about the opportunities in the BE sector .
Step 1: Call for Applications
To date, SYAH has received 30 applications in total. Now an evaluation process will take place and assignment of the applicant to the work placement. To read more about what applicants have done in the past, visit: www.syahseychelles.org
You can follow the Blue Economy interns on https://www.facebook.com/ProsperityEnvironment/
SYAH – Seychelles draws the 4th edition of Blue Economy Internship to a close – 8 February 2020
I was placed at Hunt Deltel. I had an amazing experience because of the Blue Economy internship to see the world of work and how it is. It’s an unforgettable memory that I will cherish and hope to get another experience in 2020.
Alisee Port-LouisIn my capacity as a youth parliamentarian of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly, I moved a motion to increase education on ocean and its sustainability in the formal curriculum. This was adopted unanimously. The motion will now be sent to the Department of Education.
Annia MarengoInvesting in youth
Hear from the young people who benefited from the Blue Economy Internship Programme.
