Mr. Asayya Imaya
Convenor – Collaborative Action for Childcare
CEO & Founder – Uthabiti Africa
Forum Delegates
Partners in Early Childhood Development
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
1.0 Greetings & Introduction
On behalf of the Seychelles Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) – a Category 2 Institute for Early Childhood Care and Education under the auspices of UNESCO – it is my utmost pleasure to participate and a distinct honour to speak at this important gathering – the Africa Child Care Forum 2025, here in beautiful Kigali, Rwanda, hosted by the Collaborative Action for Child Care, Uthabiti.
Allow me to convey my sincere appreciation to the Convenor of the Collaborative Action for Child Care, Mr. Asayya Imaya, for his kind invitation and the invaluable opportunity for our team to participate in this special platform. We are eager to learn more about ECCE initiatives across the African continent, particularly in the vital area of the child care economy and services.
The Seychelles delegation, led by the esteemed Chairman of the IECD, is truly impressed with the warmth and hospitality of the people of Rwanda. We eagerly anticipate this special opportunity to experience what Rwanda, among other distinguished countries and organizations present here today, have to offer in this specialized field, and to discuss avenues for potential exchanges, sharing of experiences, and future collaboration.
Before I address the topic in question for my address and share our lessons of experience and key aspects in the Strengthening Government Coordination of Early Childhood Development (ECD), allow me to say a few words about the transformation of ECCE in Seychelles, the Institute of Early Childhood Development, and the remarkable achievements from humble beginnings to a UNESCO Global Category 2 Institute.
It is often said, and for good reason, that ECCE or ECCD remains one of the strongest investments we can make to the long-term success of our children and, indeed, the long-term economic strength of any nation.
This statement rings true for every one of us gathered here today. If we did not hold this conviction, this shared belief, we would not be here in search of better solutions and more sustainable development for the early childhood care and education agenda in our respective countries across the African continent. We have all followed the evolution, the ongoing development journey, and have recognized the undeniable benefits of a robust ECCE system globally. Many of us have engaged in high-level discussions, been proponents of its merits, and have participated in decision-making processes on policies, legislations, programmes, and service provisions.
In short, we are all stakeholders in early childhood care and education, and this forum will be yet another vital platform where we will together reflect on planned actions, share achievements, table challenges, and seek the support of collaborators, partners, and benefactors to better shape our progress and success, ensuring that all young children, without exception, can enjoy the opportunity to be nurtured, to grow, develop, and reach their full potential.
It’s truly inspiring to be among so many dedicated professionals. I sometimes wonder if our passion for ECCE is so infectious, we might start discussing developmental milestones at the dinner table… though I promise not to do that tonight!”
2.0 Transformation of ECCE in Seychelles
Ladies and gentlemen, if we are to truly transform early childhood care and education in order to achieve equitable and quality early childhood development and access to universal pre-primary education for both genders, as stipulated in SDG 4 Target 4.2 and reiterated in the Tashkent Declaration and Commitments to Action, there is a clear need to double our efforts and accelerate progress towards meeting our commitments. If we are here in Rwanda today, it is to diligently study the situation, address political, financial, and institutional barriers, and engage in collective strategizing to chart a clear path forward.
In Seychelles, the significant transformation in early childhood care and education has been made possible through strong political commitment, strategic direction at the highest levels, progressive technical and institutional leadership and governance, heightened policy dialogue, and an expanding monitoring and evaluation framework. The multi-sectoral collaboration and institutionalization of national action planning have greatly assisted this crucial process.
As a result, the country has recorded key achievements in legislative and policy actions, with the consolidation and expansion of early childhood provisions.
Momentum truly gathered after the country participated in the World ECCE Conference in Moscow in 2010. Seychelles was among the first member states to action on the commitments made, through the development of an overarching policy document, ‘The Seychelles Framework for ECCE 2011’, which set our united vision and shared commitment for a winning start in life for all children in the country.
In line with the Moscow Framework for Action and Cooperation, the country adopted a broad and holistic approach to education and care for young children aged 0 to 8 years, with priority given to policy and programme review, expansion of access, provision of equitable service, setting of standards in service delivery, training and professional development for service providers, research and data collection, monitoring and evaluation, as well as investment and funding.
3.0 Seychelles IECD’s milestone achievements
The establishment of the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) in 2013, with the vital role to provide leadership and strategic direction, and coordinate the multi- sectoral approach, promote and advocate for ECCE, was an innovation that truly drove the early childhood care and education agenda nationally and shaped its perspective at the international level. The Institute was the main driving force behind the implementation of the priorities and strategies outlined in the national policy document and the tracing of progress to bring about the desired outcomes.
As a result of targeted actions and close monitoring, the last decade has been characterized by rapid changes and groundbreaking developments, leading to the Institute gaining global recognition. It was aptly described by the World Bank as the institutional anchor for ECCE, recognized by ADEA for its milestone progress, and designated a Best Practice Hub for ECCE by the International Bureau of Education, UNESCO in 2017. In 2022, it gained the much-coveted status of a Category 2 Centre for ECCE under the auspices of UNESCO, with a global mandate responsible for knowledge production, capacity building, provision of technical service, standard setting, and advocacy and information sharing in the field.
It was opportune that the review of the Seychelles Framework for ECCE 2023 coincided with the second World Conference in ECCE held in Tashkent, as discussions at this important international event provided a global validation for our national policy. The pledges and commitments to action made by member states for transforming ECCE resonated deeply with our national aspirations and the roadmap we have traced for the next 10 years to engage in the continuous quest for high-quality ECCE through shared responsibility and accountability for the benefit of our young children and our society.
It is against this backdrop that the Seychelles/UNESCO Category 2 Institute is dedicated to reaffirming its commitment to ECCE and further strengthening coordination across government with renewed effort to ensure progress towards actioning the commitments made in the realization of the goals set, with special attention to SDG 4.2, which still remains a significant global challenge.
Achieving Category 2 status was, shall we say, a significant undertaking. There were moments when we felt like we were building a ship while sailing it… but thankfully, we had a very dedicated crew.
4.0 Strengthening Government Coordination of Early Childhood Development
This brings me to the highlight of my address – ‘Strengthening Government Coordination of Early Childhood Development (ECD)’. This topic is a critical endeavor, and the key lessons of experience from Seychelles offer valuable insights. Seychelles is often cited as a success story in this area, having made significant strides in integrating and prioritizing ECD within its national development agenda. “Strengthening government coordination of ECD can sometimes feel like orchestrating a symphony where each instrument has its own conductor. The key, as we’ve learned, is finding a harmonious rhythm.”
So, the question naturally arises – what are some of the key lessons that can be drawn from Seychelles’ experience?
(i) Political Will and High-Level Commitment
Seychelles has powerfully demonstrated this by establishing a dedicated high-level ECCE Policy Committee, chaired by a high-ranking official. This unequivocally signaled the importance of ECD at the highest levels and significantly facilitated cross-ministerial collaboration. The President’s direct support and involvement further solidified this crucial commitment. Strong political will and high-level government commitment are indeed foundational for successful ECD coordination.
(ii) Multi-Sectoral Approach and Collaboration
In Seychelles, ECD is inherently multi-sectoral. This necessitates the coordinated efforts of various Ministries and Agencies providing an ECCE service. This includes Education, Health, Family, Local Government, Social Affairs, and the Institute of Early Childhood Development. We have proactively involved these ministries and agencies in the development of integrated structures, policies, programmes, and resource allocation. Regular meetings and a shared understanding of goals were crucial for effectively breaking down silos that existed for a number of years.
Getting multiple ministries to agree on the best shade of paint for a new early learning center can sometimes be more challenging than writing a national policy. But thankfully, we focused on the bigger picture!
(iii). Dedicated Coordination Mechanism
Technical Committees in Ministries/Sectors
A clear and empowered coordination mechanism is essential to guide, monitor, evaluate, and support ECD programmes and initiatives. In each of the Ministries and Agencies mentioned earlier, we established in 2012 an ECD Technical Committee, appointed for a term of two years and renewable. This provides a vital platform for discussion, decision- making, and oversight across different Ministries or Sectors. This committee was not merely a symbolic body but held a clear mandate to influence policy and resource allocation.
Its main mandate is to lead implementation of ECCE within the Ministry/Agency; discuss internal ECCE matters for implementation and actions; develop, implement, and evaluate action plans, which feed into the National Action Plan for ECCE; and compile and submit periodic implementation status reports to the High Level Policy Committee through the IECD’s Coordinating Committee.
National Coordinating Committee
The National Coordinating Committee comprises the chairpersons of the technical committees from key Ministries/Sectors. The mandate of this Committee is to ensure collaboration and maintaining necessary linkages with the different sectors, agencies, and other stakeholders and the High Level ECCE Policy Committee; reviews national action plans to ensure consistency and coherence, ensuring plans are harmonized with overall sector plans; among others. Its roles are to ensure effective monitoring, assist in progress reviews, track progress, and coordinate evaluation and reporting of progress.
(iv). Development of a Comprehensive National ECCE Policy Framework
One of the key factors in strengthening government coordination has been the robust institutional framework we have developed in Seychelles. The Seychelles Framework for ECCE, first introduced in 2011, set a unified vision, a shared commitment for a winning start in life, and a clear direction for the future of ECCE in the country. It outlines goals, strategic policy priorities, and a roadmap for implementation by all stakeholders. This foundational document was developed through a comprehensive multi-sectoral effort, involving government, the private sector, and civil society, to ensure that all stakeholders were aligned in terms of policy objectives and desired outcomes. This has allowed us to effectively respond to emerging challenges and align our goals with global priorities, including the Sustainable Development Agenda (2030) and the Tashkent Declaration (2022).
Since then, we have continued to expand the framework, with the most recent update in 2023. The framework represents a collective endeavor to sustain the significant gains we have made in the ECCE sector over the years and to continuously improve the quality of the system.
(v). Data Collection, Monitoring, and Evaluation
In Seychelles, we have recognized that robust data systems are essential for tracking progress, identifying challenges, informing data-driven decision-making, and improving early childhood services. To support this, Seychelles has invested significantly in collecting data on various aspects of ECCE. One milestone initiative, introduced in 2016, is a longitudinal national study to establish structures and procedures for data collection across key ECCE sectors—Health, Education, and Social Affairs.
This effort helped us identify core ECD indicators, improve data coordination, and develop clear protocols for regular collection and use of information. The results were shared nationally, and we are now diligently working to institutionalize these systems into government processes. With better data, we can make more informed decisions, accurately track child development outcomes, and ensure that all children receive the care and support they need to reach their full potential.
With the rapid development of Early Childhood Care and Education in Seychelles and the wide-ranging services and provisions, the use of data has become an important universal tool for professional reporting and system efficacy.
They say data is the new gold. In the world of ECD coordination, sometimes it feels like we’re sifting through a very large, sometimes inconsistent, gold mine.
(vi). Resource Allocation and Financial Sustainability
It is indeed true that early childhood care and education remains one of the strongest investments we can make to the long-term success of our children and the long-term economic strength of any country. Adequate and sustainable financial resources are absolutely necessary to implement and scale up effective early childhood programmes.
While not without challenges, Seychelles has prioritized resource allocation for early childhood development within its national budget, recognizing its crucial role in human capital development and durable fiscal growth. Furthermore, a National ECCE Trust Fund was set up in 2011, and it is managed by a dedicated Board of Trustees under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. The aim of this fund is to promote and support ECCE programmes and projects, and to ensure the sustainability of ECCE initiatives.
A yearly budget of 1.6 million Seychelles rupees is allocated to this Fund, and the service providers in ECCE are the main beneficiaries. Around 700 projects have been funded to date, some of which include upgrading and providing new facilities, procuring educational materials and toys, fire safety equipment, teaching and learning–related materials, training and staff development activities, and the construction of outdoor recreational play facilities, to name but a few. Over 100 child care providers have also benefitted from a one-off grant of around USD1000 following their successful registration with IECD.
Another noteworthy initiative under financing early childhood is the financial assistance programme for registered child care service providers and parents. A new online digital platform, known as ‘CBISS – Child Care Benefit Information System, Seychelles’, has been introduced in 2024, aligning with the Government’s Digital Economy Agenda and the Tashkent Declaration. It is aimed at streamlining the management of the financial assistance scheme and significantly increasing the efficiency of service delivery.
Introducing a new digital system for financial assistance was, shall we say, a step into the future. It involved a few learning curves, but we are now proudly paperless…
Despite limited resources, the government remains firmly committed to sustainable funding through strategic planning, innovative financing mechanisms, and partnerships, with the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) playing a key coordinating role. This demonstrates a clear commitment to investing in early childhood and contributing towards nation building.
(vii). Capacity Building and Professional Development
We unequivocally recognize that investing in the capacity of ECD professionals across sectors (teachers, health workers, social workers, etc.) and child care service providers is vital for delivering quality services for young children.
In Seychelles, a number of impactful initiatives focused on training and professional development for those working with young children have been successfully implemented. This includes:
- A pre-registration, sensitization training on national standards for child care services is offered for prospective childminders.
- A certificate in child care and development, recognized by the Seychelles Qualifications Authority, is being delivered by the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education in collaboration with IECD.
- Diploma and bachelor’s degree courses in early childhood education, general nursing, and social work for pre-service and in-service teachers, nurses, social workers, and IECD staff.Other capacity building initiatives to keep professionals abreast of developments in ECD through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Sensitization sessions with parents on early learning stimulations, interactions, and strategies to use in the homes to make the learning environment more appealing and meaningful. Engaging communities and supporting parents are critical components of effective ECD.
In addition, while learning from international best practices and experiences is undoubtedly valuable, it is indeed crucial to adapt strategies to the specific local context
– the unique social, cultural, and economic context. Finally, strengthening ECD coordination is an ongoing process that requires sustained commitment and a long-term vision.
To note that Seychelles’ success is not a one-time achievement but a result of sustained efforts over time. Maintaining political will and continuing to adapt and improve the coordination mechanisms are essential.
5.0 Challenges and Considerations:
While Seychelles offers valuable lessons, it is also important to acknowledge our potential challenges and that other countries might face in replicating its success. These include:
- Resource constraints: Seychelles, as a small island developing nation with a small economy, faces greater challenges in allocating sufficient resources.
- Capacity gaps: Shortages of skilled professionals and care workers can hinder implementation among key transitioning points in the early years.
- Insufficient Child Care Facilities: There is a lack of such critical facilities to meet the demands in the communities, impacting parents and families who could benefit from government subsidies.
- Limited specialized services: Early identification, intervention, and support for children with developmental delays or disabilities remain areas requiring further attention.
While we’ve made significant progress, the list of things to do in early childhood is, shall we say, a healthy reminder that our work is far from over. It keeps us on our toes, at least, as dedicated and persistent actors. As a nation, we must ensure that ECCE remains a meaningful political priority—integral to the social and economic well-being of our country, a universal right, and a shared responsibility. Additionally, service provision must be of high quality and sustainable to truly make a lasting impact.
6.0 Conclusion:
In conclusion, our experience, backed by evidenced-based information, in strengthening government coordination of Early Childhood Development, provides a compelling case study – crucial for building a strong foundation for Seychelles’ future. By demonstrating strong political will, nurturing multi-sectoral collaboration, establishing dedicated coordination mechanisms, and prioritizing a comprehensive approach, Seychelles has made significant progress in ensuring a strong start for its young children. Other countries can learn from these lessons and adapt them to their own contexts to build more effective and integrated ECD systems.
At this juncture, the IECD, as a UNESCO Category 2 Institute, is well positioned to assist and provide technical assistance and support in ECD for countries and organizations. By aligning our collective efforts, we can ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive, starting from their earliest years, and to guarantee equitable access to quality ECD services for all children.
As a token of our sincere appreciation, I would like to call upon the Chairman of IECD, Dr. Rose to present a complimentary copy of the Seychelles Framework on ECCE 2023-2030, to Mr. Asayya Imaya, Convenor for Collaborative Action for Childcare and the CEO and Founder of the Uthabiti Africa.
Thank you for your kind attention and wish you all fruitful deliberations.
