Transforming Education in a Rapidly Changing World - Seychelles post TES dialogues

Over 100 teachers gathered with other school leaders and policymakers for the Ministry of Education’s inaugural Teachers Convention Transforming Education: Curriculum Change and Pedagogical on Saturday 5th November 2022 in Mahé, Seychelles. The conference provided a platform for teachers to engage around issues of professional concern and explore tangible actions to address challenges and promote educational innovation.  The importance of the conference was underscored by the attendance of high-level policymakers including the Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin, and the Minister for Investment Entrepreneurship and Industry, Mrs. Devika Vidot.

Held in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) the conference built on the principles underlining the global UN Transforming Education Summit held in September 2022. The Summit provided a unique opportunity to elevate education to the top of the global political agenda and to mobilize action, ambition, solidarity, and solutions to recover pandemic-related learning losses and sow the seeds to transform education in a rapidly changing world.

The quality of education in Seychelles is high, recognized as the only African country to completely attain all of the UNESCO Education objectives and rated 43rd globally by the world education forum.  This achievement is particularly notable with the disruption to education experienced worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 90 % of the world’s children had their education interrupted. This represents the largest disruption of education systems in history. Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Dr. Rex Mpazanje, WHO Country Representative applauded the Government of Seychelles for keeping schools open safely during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to access to education challenges thrown up by the pandemic reflects a global trend in the way we work and live. Shifting professional skills and a recognition of the importance of creativity in both work and academic life means that educational systems need to adapt making learning more student-centered, connected, dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative. Within this context Dr. Mpazanje stated:

‘Put simply, education remains pivotal to every aspect of our being, the way we think, how we react to what we think, where we will go, what we will achieve and how we will contribute to the betterment of the precarious planet plagued by environmental and societal challenges. Humanity requires transformative education more than ever and teachers have to lead the way in having schools remain flourishing sanctuaries of learning and cultivation of ideas for teachers and students alike.’

The Minister for Education gave a keynote address that used curriculum modifications made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a departure point. He underlined a transformation mantra of changing the face of the classroom to increase learning effectiveness and facilitate mutual enjoyment by both teachers and pupils for the learning process. Dynamic group discussions followed the minister’s address around relevant proposals. Recommendations for teaching financial literacy and health/life skills to be included in the curriculum were explored, as well as specific suggestions on best practices for sharing teaching materials.

Those in attendance in unanimously agreed that further discussions will be needed before respective resolutions are adopted. The Ministry of Education intends to organize another convention before any changes are implemented next year.