February 24, 2025
On Saturday 22nd February, 2025, an important presentation took place to support early childhood child care in Seychelles. Ms. Rana Fernandez, from the Development Bank of Seychelles (DBS), spoke to a group of childminders about different loan options available to help them improve their care services.
During the meeting, Ms. Fernandez explained in details the various ways these loans could help childminders buy learning materials, make their homes safer, and create a better environment for the children. She emphasized that DBS wants to support those who care for young children, as they play a vital role in a child’s early development, our economy and the community.
Many childminders find it difficult to get generate funds to grow their services. The loans offered by DBS can help them invest in their businesses and offer better care to the children.
Ms. Fernandez also explained what is needed to qualify for a loan. She said that each application is looked at carefully to make sure the support goes to those who most need it most. She mentioned that depending on the loan amount and the person’s situation, some form of security, like a house or a car, or a guarantee from someone else might be required.
The event was extremely helpful for the childminders, who appreciated learning more about how they can access financial support. Many said they found the information useful and are grateful for DBS’s efforts to support their important work and for IECD to initiate and organise this session.
This initiative by DBS is a positive step to strengthen early childhood care in Seychelles. By offering accessible loans, DBS is helping childminders improve the quality of their services. This can lead to better development and well-being for Seychelles’ children, helping build a brighter future for the country, one child at a time.
