Economic Growth United Kingdom Project #8321

The Global Innovation and Education Fund

by Action Change (Formerly GVI Trust)

Project Report | Apr 12, 2015
My National Scholarship Journey

By Tyrone Bennett | Head of Alumni Services

Dear Supporter,

Recently, Fred, a recipient of the National Scholarship Program, left GVI Seychelles to continue his work with the Save Our Seas Foundation. Here is what he had to say about his time on the program:

My National Schlorship Journey

"Here at GVI there are many opportunities and knowledge to be gained from the different aspects of marine life and conservation.

As a "juvenile fish" things were very challenging, I had thought many times that I wasn't going to be able to fulfil the task given, but the staff were always reassuring me and helping me to meet my goals.I had the opportunity to gain my PADI Advanced Divers course and I am proud to say I completed the course!

In the beginning, I was given a group of fish to learn and later survey. At first, it was very hard to remember everything, but over time I started to remember more and more of what I had learnt. Those names were quite a headache to learn, but if you ever dive or snorkel with me now I'll easily be able to tell you everything I know about that fish!

Filling up tanks and using the compressor was never something I thought I would learn how to do, but with the patience of Andy, I can now manage and operate the compressor and fill out the tanks for the next group of divers - another new skill I can use in the future!

GVI is not only about conservation and preserving marine life, but the awareness of reaching out to the less fortunate. As a Seychellois, I salute and deeply appreciate this generosity of what you are doing. The other part that I will salute you is the educational part of conservation. Spreading the message to the younger generation is the pillar to safeguard what we have today so that others may continue to value, appreciate and conserve for generation after generation.

I may not be the first Seychellois to follow the GVI journey, but I have made History in within my family. I personally believe that all Seychellois should take the opportunity to join GVI and learn about what they have to offer. "

Thank you for all your hard work Frank and all the best for your future career in marine conservation!

All the best

GVI Seychelles

Links:

www.gvi.org

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Jan 12, 2015
Quotes From Recent Scholars

By Sophie Birkett | Head of Operations

Carlos

Dear Supporter,

Last year, we saw 10 national scholars gain places on community and conservation scholarships in their home countries, thanks to donation made to this project. As such, I wanted to share some direct quotes from these scholars, to show what your donations have helped to achieve!

Carlos, Mexico:

"It was certainly an unforgettable experience. I remember with great envy and wanting to relive the paradisiatic life that I had while there. I got to work with green turtles and loggerheads at the start of the season opener and furgher, it was so gratifying to see how the cycle is fulfilled as we saw nests that we marked and relocated (saving them from flooding in several times) hatchling, and then at night we were helping the young to reach the water. Life as a volunteer and in particular in an environmental program gave me a great awareness on the impact and footprint I want to leave with my life in this world. Also, being able to interact with so many people gave me a lot of maturity in community life and brought me many intercultural friendships that I still have."

Abel, Seychelles

I came through the University of Seychelles and I actually came here without any diving experience. During these three weeks I’ve done my Open Water course as well as my Advanced Open Water. I have also been learning a great deal about fish monitoring and the different methodologies used to actually do that and will be surveying at various sites around the Northwest of Mahe. Apart from the daily dives GVI has given the opportunity to meet other people and socialize just like a family would. To live with other people of different nationality and background has been a great experience for me considering that I am the only Seychellois there for the time being. The reason why I wanted to join GVI was basically because I believe that environmental research and protection is important and critical for a small island such as Seychelles and it is only by participating and at times volunteering that one can make a real difference for the future generations to come.

Thank you for supporting this project and these individuals.

All the best

GVI Charitable Trust

Links:

http://www.gvi.org

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Oct 27, 2014
Progress of National Scholarship Program in Jalova

By Sophie Birkett | Head of Operations, Charitable Trust

Dear Supporter,

In the GVI Jalova hub, our first scholar, Walter, has been living with us now for 6 months. He has already been showing many advances, learning English, survey protocols and obtaining his Emergency First Response. He is now starting the Internship Program, which will bring him lifelong skills and experience to fulfill his plans for his future career.

Empowering is one of the key objectives of GVI. With the National Scholarship Program, GVI hopes to give the local community knowledge and power to work towards key global and local issues, including sustainable development and conservation.

Walter, from Nicaragua, has been living in Tortuguero for many years. He has many plans for his future and GVI is playing an important role in it. With this experience, he hopes to be more prepared to continue his studies on an undergraduate level, majoring in biology and conservation.

Our scholar has already developed his skills in many ways. When he first arrived, his knowledge of English language was basic. Now, after 6 months, we can already see an advance in his learning process. The daily living with English speaking volunteers has been pushing him forwards. Besides, staff’s efforts to organize English classes are showing results, as he builds up confidence everyday to speak in a non-native language. Volunteers are also always engaged in this activity: every month we have volunteers to help staff members with his English classes or even just having a conversation in English.

During the last 6 months, Walter has been learning the methods we use for our surveys and also teaching us what he knows. Being raised in Tortuguero, he has a keen eye to spot our local animals, which makes him an invaluable asset in the field. His previous experience working with turtles with Sea Turtle Conservancy also makes him extremely helpful on turtle season. Besides, the cultural exchange he promotes with volunteers is priceless. His Tico rice recipe has already gained reputation on camp and he is always happy to practice and teaching some Spanish. We are happy to see the accomplishment of one of the goals of our National Scholarship Program: the exchange of knowledge between the local community and our staff and volunteers.

On June, Walter achieved another victory. He took the EFR course with the new volunteers. After 3 days of intensive training, theoretical and practical tests, he has learned how to act in emergency situations. Now, after 6 months of initial training and practicing English, he is officially ready to start our Internship Program. Together with other 3 other interns, he will be trained on taxonomy identification, leadership skills, scientific writing and presentations and data analysis. We are excited to take this further step, as this will bring him more experience and knowledge.

It has been many challenges for him: cultural and language barriers, but also a lot of learning. However, Walter has demonstrated enthusiasm and willingness to learn and develop every week. Hopefully this is only the start of a program that will become established for many years to come. This week, we are receiving Luis, Walter’s friend. He has showed interest on our National Scholar Program and wanted to visit us for a week during his holidays. We are already keeping an eye for our next lucky national scholar!

Thank you for supporting this project and we look forward to bringing you more news!

All the best

Marcelle Muniz Barreto, Field Staff

Links:

http://www.gvi.org

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