August 10, 2026Forty-three participants from the 15th cohort of the Pre-Registration and Sensitisation Training (PRESET) programme were recognised during a certificate presentation ceremony organised by the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD – Unesco Category 2)
at the Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa on Friday evening.
The graduates were: Raphaella Alcindor, Alerkha Alphonse, Jovanette Asba, Jacintha Athanase, Natalie Azemia, Anicha Balette, Lyndiana Baptiste, Sharon Belmont, Claudette Benoit, Mathilda Brice, Hania Brutus, Tina Camille, Marylyn Confiance, Vanesa Dorothe, Anisa Doudee, MarieLise Edmond, Jasmine Esparon, Jeniffer Esparon, Sophie Esparon, Evanette Estico, Juliana Georges, Fabrina Hoareau, Alice Julius, Tira Labrosse, Paul Lesperance, MarieFrance Lime, Natalie Lusta, Sheena Marie, Sharon Mellie, Jovanna Michel, Emilie Morel, Mya Morel, Francis Rapide, Elle Sidoni, Veronique Sinon, Maureen Suleman, Pascalina Suzette, Sophia Thomas, Tia Uzice, Louisette BelleInokoba, Valerie Hoareau, Alicia Mein and Rina Morel.
The 15th PRESET programme ran from April 11 to June 20, 2026, and is based on the National Standards for Homebased Child Care Services. It features engaging, handson activities designed to encourage practical and meaningful learning, delivered in close collaboration with partners across the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector.
A decade of standards
In her opening remarks, Shirley Choppy, chief executive of IECD, noted that the ceremony also marked ten years since the implementation of the National Standards for Child Care Homes, introduced through regulations in July 2016.
She highlighted that since the programme’s launch in 2015, 503 individuals – 493 women and 10 men – have successfully completed the training and received certificates of attendance. this includes registered childminders caring for up to 12 children, as well as caregivers operating smaller homebased setups for three or fewer children under an optional registration scheme.
Mrs Choppy stressed that continuous training and support are vital in building trust and ensuring quality early learning experiences. Well trained caregivers, she explained, create stimulating environments that safeguard children’s health and safety while supporting their overall development, preparing them for formal schooling and future success.
While acknowledgeing Seychelles’ progress in early childhood education, she emphasised that more remains to be achieved.
“Every child, regardless off their background or eceonomic status, deserves access to excellent, quality care,” she said.
despite financcial constraints, she reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to providing child care workers with the highest quality training possible.”Investing in our children and their caregivers today is more than just a moral obligation; it is a fundamental investment in our nation’s future,” Mrs Choppy added.
Participant perspective
One of the graduates, 22yearold Sophie Esparon, described the training as both enjoyable and enlightening. “I didn’t know what to expect at first, but I’m happy I joined. At the beginnning we were all shy, but as the sessions continued we got to know one another and built great friendships,” she said.
Although not yet working as a childminder, Sophie hopes to pursue a career in the field, combining her passion for children with her professional aspirations. She noted that one of the highlights of the pro- gramme was learning about the importance of hygiene in child care, along with discovering educational ac- tivities that support children’s development beyond sports and physical play.
The participant with their Certificates
The Team behind the PRESET Program
