September 14, 2025
Childminders’ Excellence Award 2025 – 13th September 2025 at Eden Bleu Hotel
All Protocol Observed! Good evening once again!
It’s an absolute honour and privilege to celebrate the incredible dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment of Seychelles’ amazing childminders.
This occasion is extra special because it’s not just about the Childminders Excellence Awards (which, let’s face it, are the Oscars of the childcare world) but the recognition of excellence in child care services. For the first time, we are also commemorating ‘Early Childhood Educators Day’ celebrated globally in the first week of September.
Home-based child care in Seychelles has a rich history rooted in community and care. From informal neighborhood babysitting support to a well-organised, regulated ecosystem. Indeed, we’ve come a long way, folks! And I’d say we’ve made remarkable progress in record time.
Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane.
- In 2013, Seychelles conducted a National Childminding Study — think of it as a health check-up for our sector. It revealed strengths and areas for improvement.
- Building on those insights, the IECD Act came into force, creating a solid legal foundation.
- By 2016, standards were legislated to ensure that every child has a safe and stimulating environment. And even before these regulations were in place, we began training prospective childminders in 2015—much like planting seeds for the future.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and here we are:
- Over 400 childminders, nearly 50 with recognized qualifications in child care and development, and 127 registered their services — all committed to excellence, even when their kids are bouncing off the walls!
- Since 2020, we’ve been measuring how early childhood education impacts school readiness — and the results are impressive: in 2024, 90% of children are ready for preschool. That’s a lot of tiny scholars-in-the-making! Our programmes show that children who receive quality early care are more curious, confident, and prepared to take on the world or at least their kindergarten class.
- And in 2024, we introduced technological innovations like the Child Care Benefits System Seychelles (known as CBISS). It has enhanced child care management — efficient, transparent, and family-friendly – and strengthened the sector.
Of course, our journey hasn’t been without challenges — but thanks to strong leadership, dedicated staff, and passionate childminders, Seychelles now boasts one of the best child care systems around. A shining example, really — it’s practically a lighthouse for others to follow.
The remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. The World Bank, UNICEF, ADEA, as well as UNESCO have taken notice. They have entrusted us with a broader mandate – to lead and advance early childhood care, education and development worldwide. The future of humanity in our hands!
Today, after a decade of success in caring for the little ones in 0-3, it’s only fitting that we recognize the outstanding efforts of our childminders. While not everyone may walk away with a shiny trophy, remember: you are all winners. Choosing to care for children isn’t just a job — it’s a gift. And your dedication is what makes Seychelles truly special.
A big thank you to the IECD Team, the Award Committee and everyone involved – you made this initiative and tonight’s event possible. To our partners in ECCE and benefactors, thank you for your unwavering support. And to our wonderful childminders: your commitment, passion, creativity, and love are the building blocks of our future.
Keep inspiring, keep caring, and keep shining brighter than Seychelles’ sun!
To all the awardees and childminders here tonight: congratulations! Keep up the fantastic work — the next generation is counting on you!
Happy Early Childhood Educators Day!
Enjoy this very special evening — you’ve earned it!
Thank you for your attention.
