About | Seychelles Heritage Foundation

The Seychelles Heritage Foundation was set up following the enactment of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation Act on 21st December 2006. It is a body corporate and its main objectives are as follows:

(a) To identify, conserve and promote the Cultural Heritage of Seychelles.
(b) To encourage broader public participation in activities designed to promote the Cultural

Heritage of Seychelles.
(c) To generate the resources necessary for achievement of heritage projects and programmes.
(d) To manage certain heritage sites having regard to their value to Cultural Tourism.
(e) To endeavour to win international support for activities designed to promote the heritage of

Seychelles.
(f) To promote research into and education on various aspects of the National Heritage.
(g) To advise the government on matters relating to the Cultural Heritage of Seychelles.

The Foundation is governed by a nine (9) member board nominated for a period of three (3) years by the President of the Republic.

Published under the first schedule of the Seychelles Heritage Act, the under-listed properties were placed under the management portfolio of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation:

(I) Ex-Plantation House, La Plaine, Au Cap
(II) Creole Village, Val des Près, Au Cap
(III) Mission Ruins, Mission, Sans Souci
(IV) Bel Ombre Treasure Site

Vision

Conserving, administering and putting to the best use the Cultural Heritage assets of Seychelles.

Mission statement

The SHF seeks to show leadership in the regeneration of the cultural heritage assets of Seychelles through partnerships with individuals and organizations in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage resources of Seychelles in a sustainable manner.

Importance of heritage

Heritage is the full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects and culture .Heritage is expressed through places – buildings, landscapes, public parks and gardens, infrastructure, monuments, public art and more. Heritage is also represented in objects, artefacts, archives, photographs, maps, drawings and other items. Some of these items are in public collections; others are privately held. Heritage includes our traditions, events and celebrations, people’s memories, artists’ expressions, monuments and memorials. Heritage is dynamic - what is valued constantly changes as society, culture and memories change.

Other aspects of heritage are reflected in culture, traditions, events, stories and memories. This strategy is interested in how these can be shared in order to build public understanding and appreciation of our heritage. The places, objects and stories give our lives meaning and purpose, as individuals and as communities. They create a strong and enduring sense of community identity.

Strategic framework

It is important that the appropriate organizational structure is in place for the SHF to be successful in implementing its Strategic Plan 2018-2022. The organizational structure is the Strategic Framework which will provide the implementation and accounting stages for the objectives laid out in this Strategic Plan.

Board of Directors

The board's primary responsibility is have oversight of the entity, while ensuring that Seychelles Heritage Foundation, remains viable and effective in the present and for the future. The board is also involve in formulating vital strategies and policies, evaluation of performance, advising, guiding and directing the Chief Executive Officer in strategic management, formulation and implementation.

Administration, Human Resources and Finance

Manage the Human Resources and other support services
Ensure that other unit of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation receives adequate and prompt support required to run their units.
Ensure discipline is maintained in the organization.
Deal with personnel issues and other relevant matters.
Provide training opportunities for all staff.
Manage the transport facilities.
Manage all financial matters pertaining to the Seychelles Heritage Foundation.
Ensure that financial procedures are in place and practiced throughout the SHF as part of our normal practice.
Ensure that all units accept responsibility and act prudently with allocated resources.
Manage the operating costs.
Coordinate and monitor expenditures.
Institute appropriate control in an effort to reduce costs and increase income.

Research and Project Management

Develop and design projects for the Seychelles Heritage Foundation
Meet and discuss projects with potential stakeholders
Promote the projects of the SHF in view of raising funds
Formulate development projects of creative and innovative nature.
Research on historical sites with historical value and marketable potentials

Heritage Education and Communication

Ensure that programmes of animation are designed and are in operation at all SHF sites.
Ensure that there are various activities that are organized to showcase Seychelles' cultural heritage.
Create awareness in the general public and visitors on the principal aspects of Seychelles' cultural heritage.
Involve young people in programmes designed to promote and develop Seychelles' cultural heritage.

Marketing and International Cooperation

Ensure the promotion and marketing of the heritage sites
Develop and implement effective marketing initiatives and tools
Liaise with other international relevant entities to foster better collaborations.

Latest news

Did you know?

On the 11th October of 1979, school children in Victoria demonstrated against the proposed National Youth Service. The protests continued the following day when hooligans who infiltrated the childrens ranks committed acts of sabotage, looting and arson. The National Youth Service opened in 1981 and closed in 1998.

On the 22nd August of 1939, a Seychelles Defence Force was established in the Colony of Seychelles which was under the control and direction of the Governor. A lieutenant earned Rs.8.00per day, a sergeant earned Rs.3.00, a lance-corporal earned Rs.2.00 and a private earned Rs.1.50cts.

On 17th June of 1895, administrator Henry Cockburn Stewart (1844-1899) arrived in the Colony of Seychelles and the inhabitants were taken aback to learn that he was paralyzed in both legs and had to be carried about.

On the 14th of June of 1969, the Queens birthday parade was held on Gordon square (Freedom Square). It was a time –honoured custom of celebrating the sovereigns birthday and was a modified version of the ceremony carried out in London. Detachments of the police force, ex-servicemen, boy scouts, girl guides, Nurses and Red Cross took part. His Excellency the governor, Bruce Greatbatch (1917-1989) was appointed a knight Bachelor.

On the 12th April of 1887, a portion of land of the extent of 80 acres known by the name of the Mare jupe forming part of the island of Ste. Anne was sold by Louis Arthur Duchenne to Guillius Houarea for the sum of six thousand rupees.

On 28th May of 1800, the French corsair Jean Francois Hodoul (1765-1835) commanding Uni captured a British ship Henriette a mile N.W off Ste. Anne Island.

On the 9th of April of 1963, the Seychelles Island United Party was founded with the mission to deal with the welfare of and take democratic action for higher standard of living for the people of Seychelles It was the second political party to register in Seychelles. The first one was the Seychelles Tax payers and land owners association in 1939.

On the 9th of March of 1928, the RAFFLES hotel was established in Victoria. A modern tourist Accommodation, it had furnished bungalows for hire. It also arranged fishing trips, picnics and excursions to outer islands. It was later called the Empire Hotel. It was located on the same site where the Pirates Arms now stands.