Children from Anse Boileau and Baie St Anne Praslin, recently had an amazing opportunity to immerse themselves in the life of a fisherman through a hands-on experience that was both educational and fun! This engaging activity was organized by the local Fishermen’s Associations of both districts, aiming to provide the young participants with practical insights beyond just theoretical knowledge.

During this exciting program, the children aged between 12 to 15 years learned essential skills crucial for any fishing trip. They discovered how to prepare bait, such as using fresh fish scraps and finding the right types of bait for different fish species. The kids also received hands-on training on various fishing gear, including hooks, nets, and lines, and learned how to tie important knots for secure fishing. Safety was a top priority, and they were introduced to different types of safety equipment found on fishing vessels, such as life jackets, flares, and first aid kits.

In Anse Boileau, the adventure extended beyond fishing when the children visited Rass Fish, a local fish processing company. There, they observed the fascinating process of how freshly caught fish are sorted, cleaned, and prepared for sale, both locally and for export markets. This visit provided valuable insights into the fishing industry and highlighted the job opportunities it creates within the Anse Boileau community, encouraging them to consider careers in this vital sector.

Adding a touch of excitement, the children also learned about diving! An experienced instructor from a nearby diving center demonstrated how diving equipment, like masks and tanks, works while explaining the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world, including vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

On Praslin, the participants had the thrilling opportunity to explore a docked fishing vessel, where they learned about the various parts of the boat, like the engine and fishing gear storage. They were able to see firsthand how a fishing operation runs, sparking their curiosity about the fishing lifestyle.

The program will continue with Anse Aux Pins and Anse Royale associations, where they will join in on the fun, providing even more children with the chance to engage with the fishing community. This initiative has been made possible through the support of the SFA and is funded by the EU sectoral support grant.