Seychelles to strengthen cooperation with Reunion in social affairs |07 June 2019

President Didier Robert and Minister Larue

The Minister for Family Affairs, Mitcy Larue, accompanied by the principal secretary for social affairs Linda William-Melanie, director for Youth Residential Centre Daniel Marie and public relations officer Raissa Uranie were on a courtesy visit to Reunion Island following an invitation from the ‘Association Laïque pour l’Education, la Formation, la Prévention et l’Autonomie’ (ALEFPA).

The three-day visit allowed for first-hand experience of the different services provided to different socially challengedgroups in particular children and youths with behavioural problems, women victims of domestic violence and disabled persons.

The delegation, accompanied by ALEFPA Vice-President Francois Cuvelier and Administrator Gilbert Hoarau visited 11 facilities within the three areas to understand their structures, operating procedures and rehabilitation programmes run by ALEFPA and other organisations.

During the mission, Minister Larue also met the President of the Regional Council of Réunion, Didier Robert, to discuss pressing matters specifically training of local residential workers and assistance to Seychelles with experienced psychotherapist, social workers and child psychiatrist with the current and upcoming centre and other domain.

“Seychelles faces similar social attributes as Reunion Island. It is a matter of equipping the right people to work with these vulnerable groups for a positive change. These workers have a passion to help others and the spirit of volunteerism is key,” Minister Larue said.

Mr Marie had the opportunity for a two-day orientation stay at DITEP Antoine Lucas, a residential centre for boys with behavioural problems aged 6 to 14 years old. This exchange will prepare Mr Marie for the second cohort and generate ideas to the construction of the official residential centre.

Following the visits, the delegation met the ALEFPA director for the Indian Ocean Territory Nicolas Bazzo and ALEFPA director for Mental Health Nathalie Faucher to discuss bilateral ties, which will lead to the signing of a partnership agreement once the document is approved.

Contrary to Reunion Island, Seychelles has only one operating facility which tackles each respective socially challenged groups; Vocational Training Centre for young disabled persons, the Domestic Violence Shelter for women run by civil society and the piloted programme for youth residential centre for young male adolescents.