Africa-Press – Seychelles. Minister Pamela Charlette, Minister for Social Affairs, Family and Equality, has been actively engaging with communities, institutions, and partners to advance national priorities in social welfare, family wellbeing, equality, and inclusion. Over the past weeks, her schedule has included site visits, strategic dialogues, and consultative sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration, monitoring progress on key projects, and reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. These engagements reflect the ministry’s broader mission to foster resilience, promote social justice, and ensure that all citizens – particularly at-risk adolescents, women, and persons with disabilities – receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Youth Hope Centre project: Advancing support for at-risk adolescents
Minister Charlette recently visited the Youth Hope Centre project at Bon Espoir to assess its progress and strengthen collaboration with key partners.
She was accompanied by Minister for Education and Human Resources, David Pierre; secretary of state for Social Affairs, Linda William-Melanie; principal secretary for the Family department, Mike Morel; and other senior officials from both ministries.
The delegation received a detailed briefing from Jitesh Shah, chief executive of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA), on the project’s progress. Now nearing 60 percent completion, the centre is advancing steadily despite challenges such as site redesigns and shortages of construction materials.
Significant groundwork has already been completed, including roads, boundary walls, retaining walls, ground floor slabs, and site levelling. Construction of the educational block, dining block, and one residential block is well underway.
Launched with the laying of the cornerstone on April 10, 2025, the project is now on track for completion in June 2026 – slightly later than the original Q1 2026 target. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to securing the necessary budget for the final phase of construction.
Strategic dialogue with UniSey: Strengthening training and research
On December 5, Minister Charlette hosted the University of Seychelles (UniSey) team at the Family House, Bel Eau, for a strategic dialogue on enhancing collaboration in social welfare, gender equality, family wellbeing, and community development.
Discussions highlighted UniSey’s contributions through academic programmes in social work, public administration, youth and community work, as well as student internships and policy-related research on issues such as mental health, social inclusion, and youth development.
Both parties explored opportunities to deepen collaboration, including:
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continuous partnership in advancing inclusive and cohesive communities.
Progress on the National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security
Minister Charlette was briefed on the ongoing development of Seychelles’ National Action Plan (NAP) for Women, Peace and Security. Consultant Claire Hawkins presented outcomes from a recent two-and-a-half-day consultative session held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino, along with a proposed timeline and roadmap.
Remaining consultations will be conducted online to ensure wider participation. Validation of the NAP is expected by the end of January, followed by ministerial approval and submission to Cabinet in February. The official launch is scheduled for March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Marie-Pierre Lloyd highlighted the valuable contributions of the Comesa Forum of Elders and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), which continue to support Seychelles in promoting women’s leadership and peacebuilding.
Engagement with persons with disabilities
On December 3, Minister Charlette led home visits across 10 districts to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The initiative aimed to show solidarity with individuals living with mobility and physical disabilities, while gaining firsthand insight into their daily challenges.
During the visits, she engaged directly with individuals and families, listened to their concerns, and presented hampers containing practical items as a gesture of support. The recipients expressed deep appreciation for this thoughtful initiative.
The National Council for the Disabled commended Minister Charlette’s swift response and hands-on involvement, noting that her presence provided reassurance and strengthened ongoing advocacy for improved living conditions and tailored support.
The visits also provided valuable insights to inform future solutions. Both the Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Equality and the National Council for the Disabled reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring dignity, care, and support for persons with disabilities.
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