First Lady happy with her role at Malaysia summit |23 October 2010
After taking part in all the activities over the three-day period, Mrs Michel said she is very satisfied with her role, having seen the impact that the various projects she is involved in locally had on her colleagues.
The summit included a session titled A Conversation With the First Ladies that was led by BBC presenter Mishal Hussein, where they had a chance to showcase their own 
One remark common to many was that they no longer feel ashamed to wear their jeans and boots to join in the work and encourage women to overcome barriers in society that limit their involvement.
All the First Ladies paid courtesy calls on Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at the Royal Palace in Istana Negara.
The programme also included a cultural evening which interpreted the cultural and social aspects of Malaysia, followed by a dinner hosted by the First Lady of Malaysia.
The New Strait Times of Malaysia carried an article entitled Women of Substance, which included details on Mrs Michel and the various causes she promotes and activities she carries out (see accompanying reproductions on these pages).
The article mentioned that Mrs Michel’s enthusiasm is contagious, and that those who come into contact with her usually end up joining her various causes, all aimed at reaching out to children in need.
Before taking the flight back to Seychelles, Mrs Michel ensured that she endorsed the declaration adopted by all the First Ladies, after her technical expert on the trip, Minister for Social Development and Culture Bernard Shamlaye, had proposed some amendments to the text, in consultation with her.
Given the heavy schedule of the summit, Mrs Michel was able to meet Seychelles’ honorary consul in Malaysia, Chen Jen Kan, only while she was at the airport on her way home. She thanked him for help he had given to ensure her visit to Malaysia was a successful one.
Although this first official overseas visit for the First Lady was demanding, on her return to Seychelles she said she was extremely happy to have had the chance to share ideas with her counterparts.
The theme of the conference – A Child Today, a Leader Tomorrow – fitted well with her own convictions and aims for the young people of Seychelles, especially those with special needs for whom she works tirelessly.
Her colleagues complimented her on the work she is doing, especially as the Children’s Homes Foundation is responsible for managing the largest children’s home in Seychelles, the President’s Village.
Mrs Michel said she will treasure fond memories of her visit, especially her interaction with the group of around 20 First Ladies from countries ranging from close neighbour Mauritius to Kiribati, an island nation facing similar environmental issues to Seychelles.
She said she has learnt a lot from her trip and will include some of the ideas discussed in her own local activities.
