Red Cross extends hands to more needy pupils |28 May 2020

With the recent resumption of school following the coronavirus lockdown measures, both parents and students have noticed some significant changes to their habitual practices, with most attention being focused on hygiene which is more efficient, compared to social distancing measures.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) – the United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide – schools should provide children with vital information on hand washing and other measures to protect themselves and their families; facilitate mental health support; and help to prevent stigma and discrimination by encouraging students to be kind to each other and avoid stereotypes when talking about the virus.

As its contribution to the cause, the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) yesterday donated a batch of hygiene kits for kids and those will benefit children from all foster homes around the country, as well as those who fall under the dedicated fund.

The foster homes include the Foyer de Nazareth, Foyer de la Providence, Foyer de la Solitude and the President’s Village.

The initiative is part of the RCSS’ effort at providing assistance to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 and it is in line with the chosen theme for the year which is ‘Give with joy, and joy is my reward’, a theme which calls on each and everyone to extend a hand to the needy.

In a special ceremony yesterday at the headquarters of the National Council for Children (NCC) at Bel Eau, several representatives of the RCSS handed over samples of the Kits for Kids or KK to people responsible for the running of the foster homes, while principal secretary for early childhood, primary and secondary education, Dr Odile De Comarmond, received a sample on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development.

The KK is made up of hygiene items, including hand sanitiser, tissue, wipes, hand wash and soaps and is suitable for pupils and students from crèche to post-secondary institutions.

Director for communication and events at the NCC, Sharon Meriton-Jean, thanked the RCSS for the donation which she said will help to keep the children safe, especially the more needy ones.

On behalf of the RCSS, its president, Kisnan Tamatave, said it is an honour for the society to be working in partnership with the schools, through the various foster homes.

He noted that through observations at various schools, they have identified several areas, notably health and hygiene, where they could lend a hand, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Tamatave further added that since children are among the most vulnerable groups, they have all the rights to be protected, while urging them to maintain disciplined hygiene practice by respecting all the guidelines and regulations set.

On her part, Dr De Comarmond thanked the RCSS for the donation and continuous support which she said has developed into a great partnership between the two parties.

The accompanying photos by our photographer Jude Morel show some highlights of the handover ceremony.

Roland Duval