Beau Vallon primary receives donation |20 February 2014

The Beau Vallon primary school has received a generous donation of much-needed educational products from the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA).

DSA chairperson Kimi Darlong was accompanied to the ceremony at the Beau Vallon primary school by Rupal Walia, Lalita Mayadas and Sally Copeland. Also present were Cyril Pillay, director primary schools within the Ministry of Education, and Justin Freminot, chairperson of the school council.

Mrs Mayadas explained that the DSA supports local charitable causes by doing fund-raising activities, events and looking for sponsorship.

She added that the association had yet to find a worthy cause to sponsor with the funds raised during the International Bazaar in December last year. Thankfully a parent approached the DSA treasurer explaining the lack of books at the Beau Vallon primary school.

Soon after, the DSA proudly made arrangements for the donation of dictionaries, thesauruses, story books and other educational books. This is the first donation the DSA has made this year.

Mrs Mayadas expressed her optimism towards the project, adding that both teacher and parents were equally engaged, meaning a similar goal for all.

Beau Vallon primary head teacher Vivienne Preira, who has been heading the school for the past two years, added that parents and teachers are indeed increasingly working together to better the standard of education.

She also said that the school also helps the process by sharing everything with parents and teachers, keeping them updated and allowing them to work as partners.

Ms Preira warmly thanked the DSA and said that the school has been identifying new ways to help children to learn to read – by reading partners and reading out loud to one another.

Although the DSA targets other sectors, it is for the time being concentrating on children’s welfare. It is at the moment working on helping the Ministry of Health and will be donating paediatric beds and other materials needed on the Paediatric Ward.

At the end of the ceremony the students showed their gratitude with a song and poems and they also presented gifts to members of the DSA.

The DSA was formed in 2010 by the spouses of diplomatic heads of mission in Seychelles. The objective of the DSA is to operate as a voluntary, non-profit organisation in promoting international friendship and strengthening relations with Seychelles.