In an inspiring evening for artist, musician, auteur-compositeur and local celebrity Mr Joseph Samy otherwise known as Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et de Lettres, was bestowed with the prominent award and title of ‘Special Advocate’ for the Institute of Early Childhood Development IECD) Category 2 Institute, in a ceremony held at the Savoy Resort and Spa beginning of June.
Joe Samy is a man who wears many hats; singer-songwriter, musician, poet and renowned journalist in the Seychelles and there is nothing more prestigious than a new accolade to adorn the already highly-decorated icon that is Mr Joe Samy.
From the inception of the IECD in 2013, Mr Samy has been a constant presence and has helped to produce many of the Institute’s television programmes featuring children from all corners of the country.
“It is never too late to lend a helping hand where one can, especially coming in with a lot of experience. IECD has recognised me as one of their own, they see me fit in their institute, their family! And I am sincerely happy to have been bestowed with this special title because it is an honour to be seen, be respected and valued and I feel that the IECD gives myself and my work value and this always inspires a person to work even harder for a cause they believe in and I will, without any hesitation, always do my part,” shared Mr Samy.
His work is characterised by its emotional depth and innovative use of the creole folklore through storytelling in his records. Mr Samy’s most recent piece of music being ‘The Promise’ IECDs theme song,
This was officially launched on the inaugural day of the Category 2 Institute in October 2023. Mr Samy has made quite the impression locally and internationally with this beautiful homage to the children of Seychelles and beyond. The official video clip for ‘The Promise’ was alternatively launched at the closing ceremony of the Regional Workshop for Southern and Eastern African Countries on the Tashkent Declaration held from the 5th to 7th June, 2024.
The Special Advocate award is a new initiative of the IECD and aimed to be a recurring event. The role of the person bearing the title of Special Advocate will be to help campaign for the IECD, help to endorse and uphold the image of the institute as well as attend national and international events to help showcase the work done by the IECD / UNESCO C2I.
