Children’s Day Message:
On this special occasion of Children’s Day, I extend warm greetings to all children across Seychelles. Today, we celebrate their innocence, potential, and the limitless promise they hold for the future of our nation. As the Chairman of the Institute for Early Childhood Development (IECD), I am reminded of the vital importance of investing in the earliest years of life – these formative moments shape not only individual futures but also the very foundation of our society.
At the Institute, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment to grow, learn, and play. Our vision is to ensure that each child receives the best possible start in life, surrounded by caring adults who support their learning, promote good health, and nurture their inner well-being. When children are happy and healthy, they can achieve incredible things and become what they want to be in life.
We are committed to promoting a holistic approach to early childhood care and education – one that recognizes the importance of nurturing a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Every child, regardless of background or circumstances, deserves access to environments that foster resilience, confidence, and optimism – building a strong foundation for a bright future.
A cause very dear to my heart is children’s mental wellbeing. It is the way they perceive within their minds and hearts. It is natural for children to experience a spectrum of emotions, including joy, sadness, frustrations, or fear. What is most important is that they are surrounded by caring, compassionate individuals who listen and offer support during these moments. Our hope is that every child in Seychelles understands that their feelings are valid and that they can always find a trustworthy person to confide in.
Recognizing and responding to the unique emotional needs of children is crucial for their overall well-being. Early childhood mental health lays the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and behaviour. As we celebrate our children today, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting supportive, stigma-free environments where they feel safe to express themselves openly and thrive emotionally.
In Seychelles, we take pride and feel privileged to have a dedicated institution like the Institute of Early Childhood Development—highly esteemed by UNESCO as a Category 2 Institute—whose mission is to provide strategic guidance, leadership, and coordination in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). This exemplary organization has, in a relatively short period, spurred significant transformation within the early childhood sector, making substantial contributions to children’s holistic development, their families, and the nation as a whole. The management and staff of the Institute deserve our wholehearted recognition for impressive achievements and support to continue this vital work for the benefit of our children and our country. Moreover, our ECCE community—including Health, Social Services, Family, Education, and Local Government sectors—are deeply committed to the well-being of the children they serve.
Nevertheless, we must continue prioritizing mental health initiatives that will strengthen family and community support systems, and ensure that early intervention services and programmes are accessible to all children in need. Investing in children’s mental health yields long-term benefits—not only for the individuals but also for building a healthier, more resilient society.
On this Children’s Day, I warmly call upon parents, child care service providers, educators, policymakers, and all members of our community to come together in support of the efforts of the IECD-UNESCO Category 2 Institute and other sectors in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). Let us collaborate to nurture our youngest children’s full potential and holistic development. Together, we can build a future where every child feels loved, valued, and empowered to dream big. Our children are our greatest asset—by investing in their well-being today, we lay the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for our nation.
Happy Children’s Day to all our little ones. May your days be filled with joy, curiosity, and endless possibilities.
