President Herminie’s Children's Day message |01 June 2026
‘Children: The heart of our nation’
“There is no greater privilege for a nation than to look at its children and see its own best possibilities reflected back. Today, we stop to truly celebrate every one of those possibilities, and the remarkable young people who carry them.
“We live in a world that is changing faster than ever before. Technology, innovation, and new ideas are opening doors that previous generations could only dream of. As you grow and learn, we encourage you to embrace these opportunities with open minds, but above all, to take your education seriously. Knowledge is the most powerful tool you will ever hold. Treat it with respect. Respect your teachers, who give their time and heart so that you may grow. Respect your peers, who walk this journey alongside you. And respect the resources and opportunities placed in your hands, for they are the foundation upon which your future will be built.
“The government of Seychelles is investing in you, in your schools, your development programmes, your healthcare, and your wellbeing, because we are preparing you to one day take the lead of this nation. And the Seychelles we are building together has no room for violence, no room for bullying and no room for fights that breaks hearts and wastes your futures. It is a nation built on love, on kindness, and the courage to do what is right even when it is not easy. These are the qualities we need from you, not just when you are grown, but starting today, in how you treat one another, in how you carry yourselves, in the choices you make and how you uplift each other.
“To the parents, teachers, caregivers, and mentors who walk beside our children every day, we honour you. Your patience, your sacrifices, and your love does not go unnoticed. But we must also remind you of the profound responsibility you carry. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. You are that village. Children do not just hear what you say, they watch what you do. They look up to you to be protected, to be guided, to be loved. Let our homes always be places of safety and tenderness, never of fear.
“As we mark this important day, let us each renew our promise, to protect every child, to champion their rights, and to nurture an environment where they can learn, thrive, and become the very best of themselves. The future of our beautiful Seychelles rests in their hands. Let us make sure those hands are guided by love, strengthened by knowledge, and inspired by hope. They are the heart of this nation; let us all thrive to make it great.”
Dr Patrick Herminie
President of the Republic of Seychelles