Seychelles National Youth Assembly

The Seychelles National Youth Assembly, commonly known as the SNYA, is a national youth platform dedicated to civic education, youth representation, leadership development, and democratic participation in Seychelles.

It provides young people with the opportunity to understand public service, debate national and youth-related issues, develop leadership skills, and take part in meaningful discussions about the future of the country. The SNYA forms part of the wider youth development work led by the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), serving as an important link between young people and government.

A History of Youth Inclusion

Historically, the creation of youth platforms such as the SNYA came from a national effort to give young people a stronger voice in matters affecting them. Seychelles’ first youth policy was developed in 1995, highlighting the need for young people to participate more directly in the development of the country. Over time, the SNYC grew into a key national structure, and programmes such as the SNYA were developed to provide educational, civic, and leadership opportunities.

Democratic Participation

The Assembly is designed as an educational forum where young representatives strengthen their ability to research, prepare arguments, debate issues, and speak on matters affecting the lives of youth in Seychelles. It encourages responsibility, critical thinking, public speaking, democratic values, and national consciousness.

In recent years, the SNYA has placed stronger emphasis on democratic participation. Members are now elected by their peers through campaigns and elections in schools and post-secondary institutions, giving youth representatives a clearer mandate to speak on behalf of the students and young people they represent.

Preparing Responsible Leaders

The SNYA helps members understand that public service is not only about speaking, but also about listening, learning, researching, respecting different views, and working with others to find solutions. Through its sittings, debates, motions, activities, and engagements, the Assembly gives young Seychellois a formal space to practise leadership.

The Seychelles National Youth Assembly represents the belief that young people should not be placed on the sidelines of national development. By supporting youth participation, the SNYA continues to play a valuable role in building a more engaged, responsible, and forward-thinking generation for Seychelles.