VICTORIA, Seychelles — Public schools across Seychelles opened the new academic year on Monday under a fresh theme calling on the entire education community to work together in the spirit of solidarity to improve teaching and learning.
The theme, “Travaillons tous ensemble dans l’esprit de solidarité pour améliorer l’enseignement et l’apprentissage,” was unveiled by the Ministry of Education as the guiding principle for the 2024 academic year. Education Minister Dr. Justin Valentin said the choice reflects the ministry’s belief that real improvement in education requires the active involvement of teachers, parents, students and the wider community.
Dr. Valentin, accompanied by the principal secretary for education services and other ministry officials, visited Beau-Vallon secondary school yesterday morning to welcome new recruits of the first year secondary cycle. The visit was part of a wider tour of schools designed to mark the start of the year and to reinforce the new theme with students and staff.
School leaders reported a smooth return to classrooms, with attendance at most schools matching or exceeding the figures recorded at the start of the 2023 academic year. The Ministry of Education said it had worked through the holiday period to ensure that all schools were ready to receive students, and that any infrastructure issues were addressed before the first bell.
Several schools used the opening day to highlight new initiatives, including expanded reading programmes, additional support for students with learning differences and revised approaches to mathematics and science teaching. The ministry said these initiatives will be rolled out progressively over the first term.
Parents interviewed at school gates expressed cautious optimism about the new academic year, citing the solidarity theme and the ministry’s emphasis on inclusion. Several said they hoped the new approach would translate into tangible improvements in their children’s learning experience.
A calm and orderly start to the school year offers the best possible foundation for the months of learning ahead.
