Fifty-seven participants of the Seychelles Tourism Board, the Culture department at the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, and freelance tour guides followed a special course on the history of Seychelles and have in so doing have enhanced their knowledge on the French period of Seychelles.
The working session was conducted since October 2012 by the known French historian, Richard Touboul. He took the participants on the discovery of Seychelles history from 1742 with the arrival of Lazare Picault to 1811 when Seychelles went under British administration.
The participants have now received their certificates as they have completed with success their training sessions. The presentation of certificates was done at a ceremony at the offices of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture at the National Cultural Centre in Victoria.
Addressing the course participants Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, acknowledged the valuable contribution of Richard Touboul, an expert on the French era, for sharing his knowledge with the Seychellois.
Taking to the podium, the course facilitator, Richard Touboul, reminded the invitees and participants at the ceremony of the importance for a nation to keep its history alive.
“Through centuries, from one generation to another, history forges, creates and makes us what we are today. In all we are a historical asset forged in the crucible of life,” said Richard Touboul.
Mr. Touboul went on to say that the training sessions, a first of its kind, were perfectly fitted for staff of the Seychelles Tourism Board, that of the National Museum, the National Heritage section, the National Archives, the Culture Department and freelancers in tour guiding. The course was packed full of useful information on the Seychelles first settlement “L’Etablissement du Roi,” the Seychelles in relation to 1789 French revolution and the history of the Jacobins among others.
It was the Principal Secretary for Culture, Benjamine Rose, and the Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Tourism Board, Elsia Grandcourt, who presented the certificates to the participants.
Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP).
PHOTO (L to R): Minister Alain St.Ange; Richard Touboul, course facilitator; Principal Secretary Culture Benjamine Rose; and Elsia Grandcourt, Chief Executive, Seychelles Tourism Board
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- Touboul went on to say that the training sessions, a first of its kind, were perfectly fitted for staff of the Seychelles Tourism Board, that of the National Museum, the National Heritage section, the National Archives, the Culture Department and freelancers in tour guiding.
- The presentation of certificates was done at a ceremony at the offices of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture at the National Cultural Centre in Victoria.
- Taking to the podium, the course facilitator, Richard Touboul, reminded the invitees and participants at the ceremony of the importance for a nation to keep its history alive.
