New helpline launched by Kindness and Compassion Foundation |14 November 2023
Mrs Ramkalawan addressing the gathering
Individuals going through traumatic experiences and other crisis in their lives can now have more support and counselling through a new helpline launched.
To help the Kindness and Compassion Foundation in its work, telecommunication Company Cable and Wireless has sponsored this helpline. The number to contact for is 2502500 and is already activated.
The SIM card from the company was presented by Carinne Houareau during a ceremony organised by the foundation to mark this year’s World Kindness Day which falls on November 13.
Ms Houareau said it was an honour for Cable and Wireless to form part of the World Kindness Day event, which is celebrating this living value across the globe.
“Within these few years of its existence, we have seen the devotion and work of the Kindness and Compassion Foundation in our country. Thus, Cable and Wireless has acknowledged the importance to support the foundation by sponsoring this helpline,” she said.
We hope it will boost the work being done by this exceptional organisation, Ms Houareau added.
Each one of us has an important role to play in making our homes, workplaces and communities better and happier places. Small acts of kindness can do wonders in making our surroundings more joyful, can help boost one’s confidence and change a difficult situation.
World Kindness Day reminds us of the importance of showing this important value to one another. Seychelles joined the rest of the world yesterday in marking this day at the National Council for Children, Bel Eau.
Present at the ceremony were First Lady, Linda Ramkalawan; chairperson of the foundation, Beryl Dodin and that of the Seychelles Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Sabvi) Brigitte Lablache; among other guests.
The ceremony started with a prayer led by Reverend Brian Volcère who also highlighted the importance of showing kindness on our spiritual journey.
Addressing those present, Mrs Dodin said kindness was an important living value and people need to reflect on how best we can show it to others.
“It starts at home, with a simple morning greeting which can surely make a difference. We also need to be mindful of our words when speaking to others as we do not know what other people are going through. So let us be more compassionate and kind towards those around us,” she said.
For her part, Mrs Ramkalawan said when we make a difference in the lives of others, it remains engraved in their hearts. It is important that we reflect on our approach towards another so that we do not hurt others and leave a scar on their hearts, but instead let us be remembered for our acts of kindness.
“Before we go to sleep, let us reflect on how our day went and if we did something kind to help others around us. If we do this, we will bring about positive changes which will help us to become better and kinder individuals. The message of kindness will not only spread in our communities but we will be lending a hand in helping it to reach the world.”
During the ceremony, there were also presentations by Mont Fleuri primary and secondary students, a representative for the elderly citizens and well known poet Stephanie Joubert.
Ms Lablache also performed a special song entitled ‘I have a dream’. She then accepted a cheque worth R10,000 on behalf of Sabvi, from the Kindness and Compassion Foundation.
Photos by Louis Toussaint
