19 January 2017
CEPS has held a two day civic education training for trainers as part of the EU funded project. The training was held between the 17th to the 18th of January at the CEPS Conference Room.
The aim of the training was to empower participants on the role and functions of the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government. The training also enabled the trainees to understand the responsibilities of citizen in their interaction with the branches of government. Participants came from the two associations who are co applicants of the project, as well as members of other civil society organisations accredited with CEPS. Sixteen trainers have followed the training which was being facilitated by Mrs Barbara Carolus.
The first session comprised of a presentation and discussion about the Seychelles constitution. The trainers are expected to educate citizens about the constitution at community level therefore special attention was given to the different sections of the Constitution. The session was very informative and the session that followed proved to be very interactive.
The two day session also incorporated presentations from various representatives. The three speakers were Ministry of Local Government advisor, Mr Daniel Frichot , ex clerk of the National Assembly Mrs Marie-Nella Azemia and Dr Marie-Therese Purvis a commissioner on the Seychelles Electoral Commission. Mr Frichot talked about the Local Government Act and talked of the structure and function of the district councils that will be elected next year in all districts. Mrs Azemia spoke of the structure and operating procedures of the National Assembly and how these have evolved over the years. Dr Purvis outlined various clauses of the Elections Act of 2015 and how they impact on the voting process and voters.
The trainers are expected to take all the knowledge and skills acquired from the training and take them to the various communities from mid February onwards. CEPS plans on launching the outreach programme in the district of Anse Boileau.
