CEPS Volunteer of the Year Award
The Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 2016 to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contributions of volunteers and civil society organisations that dedicate their time, expertise, and resources towards improving the lives of others and strengthening communities across Seychelles.
The award reflects CEPS’ commitment to promoting a culture of volunteerism, active citizenship, and community engagement. It acknowledges the vital role played by volunteers and civil society organisations in addressing social challenges, supporting vulnerable groups, promoting inclusion, and contributing to the sustainable development of our nation.
By recognising outstanding achievements in volunteerism, CEPS seeks to inspire greater civic participation, encourage a spirit of service, and preserve the values of solidarity, compassion, and community responsibility that have long been an integral part of Seychellois society.
Objectives of the Award
The CEPS Volunteer of the Year Award aims to:
- Recognise outstanding volunteer contributions within communities.
- Honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to charitable and benevolent service.
- Celebrate volunteers who have provided sustained service over a significant period of time.
- Recognise innovative and creative approaches to volunteerism.
- Acknowledge voluntary initiatives that have produced long-lasting positive impacts.
- Promote sustainable volunteer programmes and community-driven initiatives within Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Award Categories
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and leadership through voluntary service. The award honours volunteers whose actions have significantly improved the well-being of individuals, communities, organisations, or the nation as a whole.
People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award provides members of the public with an opportunity to recognise and celebrate an individual volunteer whose dedication and service have made a meaningful difference within their community or nationally. Open to volunteers from all backgrounds, regardless of organisational affiliation, this category highlights the impact of grassroots volunteerism and community action.
Best Organisation Award
The Best Organisation Award recognises a Civil Society Organisation that has demonstrated excellence in service delivery, volunteer engagement, innovation, sustainability, and community impact. The award honours organisations whose programmes and initiatives have created lasting positive change and contributed significantly to the development and well-being of Seychelles.
CEPS Volunteer Ambassadors
Recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award are conferred the title of CEPS Volunteer Ambassador for a period of one year.
As ambassadors, they serve as advocates for volunteerism and support CEPS in promoting community engagement and active citizenship throughout Seychelles. Their role includes participating in awareness campaigns, supporting volunteer recruitment initiatives, representing CEPS at national events, and sharing their experiences to inspire others to become involved in community service.
Volunteer Ambassadors also contribute to the continued development and promotion of the CEPS Volunteer of the Year Award programme and assist in fostering a vibrant volunteer culture across the country.
Hall of Fame – Past Winners
1st Edition – 2016
The inaugural CEPS Volunteer of the Year Award was launched in December 2016 and attracted 13 nominees from various sectors of civil society.
Volunteer of the Year: Mrs Rose-Mary Elizabeth
First Runner-Up: Mrs Marie-Nella Azemia
2nd Edition – 2017
Volunteer of the Year: Mr Justin Freminot (HIV/AIDS Support Organisation – HASO)
Runner-Up: Mrs Germaine Gill (Alliance for the Solidarity of the Family – ASFF)
Third Place: Mr Chet Hoareau (Seychelles Scout Association)
3rd Edition – 2018
Volunteer of the Year: Mrs Mita Charlette (Women in Action and Solidarity Organisation – WASO)
Best Organisation Award: Les Li Viv
2019–2023
During this period, the Volunteer of the Year Award programme was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery phase. While the award programme was paused, CEPS continued to support civil society organisations and community initiatives through various programmes, partnerships, and capacity-building activities.
4th Edition – 2024
Best Volunteer Award: Mrs Rosie Morel (Cancer Concern Association)
Best Organisation Award: HIV/AIDS Support Organisation (HASO)
Mrs Rosie Morel was also named CEPS Ambassador in recognition of her exceptional commitment to volunteerism and community service.
