Seychelles says YES to Transforming Education

The inaugural Youth Education Summit, which took place on 15 September in Victoria was organized by the Ministry of Education with support from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for Mauritius and Seychelles, WHO and ILO.*

Young people between the ages of 13-30 representing secondary schools across the country, post-secondary institutions, the University of Seychelles, youth organizations and leaders, young entrepreneurs, and professionals from various sectors and self-employed youth came together to discuss how to transform an education system that needs to adapt to the rapidly changing times. In her opening remarks the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh highlighted that educational transformation needs to be inclusive and equitable with investment to prepare youth with the skills for today and jobs of the future.

The theme for this summit ‘Negotiating a new education landscape’ builds on the World Transforming Education Summit that took place in September 2022 in New York. The United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres urged Ministries of Education to embark on a journey that will bring transformation in education. During the World Summit delegates resolved to place the youth in the driving seat when it comes to planning and implementing education reform initiatives. The Minister of Education, Dr. Justin Valentin in his opening remarks underlined his commitment to fostering engagement with young people:

“We celebrate the power of youth participation...the recommendations we make today will contribute to shaping the trajectory of the future of our nation.”

Building on the principles of inclusion, the summit provided a platform for young people to voice their perspectives on the most pressing issues affecting their learning journey.  The four key topics explored by the youth during the group discussions were ‘New Models of Schooling’, ’Life Skills’, ‘Access to Opportunities’ and ‘Healthy Living’. Concrete recommendations were made by the participants.

The summit concluded on a high note with the Minister of Education declaring that the group of young people in the room would comprise the first Youth Education Council engaging regularly with his ministry.

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*World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO)