‘We are a nation who loves and care for our children’ |01 June 2016

“In Seychelles, in addition to reflecting on children’s issues, this day allows us an opportunity to celebrate our children. Children’s Day was born out of the need to have a day where we reflect on children’s issues such as their safety, education and health care, among others.

“In most educational institutions activities are organised for the children and we are reminded of the important place they occupy within our society.

“Recognising the importance of having ‘the right start’ for every child the government formalised the monitoring mechanism of children through the establishment of the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) and other ECCE structures to guide and support child development within a standardised framework.

“Indeed, thinking of children in Seychelles provides us with so many reasons to celebrate and so much to be proud of, it is evident that we are a nation who loves and care for our children. Together, we have been able to ensure that they have access to free health care and education, they are well protected under our law and lately, with the focus on early childhood, fathers are now able to access paternal leave after the birth of their child.

“We are not complacent as a nation and we also acknowledge the need to do even more to ensure the protection and development of ALL children in Seychelles; hence the existence of the national standards on child-minding services. This will ensure the safety, health, protection and education of our children from a very young age.

“Therefore, on this special day our young citizens should celebrate the advantages of being a child in Seychelles.

“Happy Children’s Day to all the children!”

Shirley Choppy

Chief executive of the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD)