Mancham Institute Launches UNESCO-Backed Peace Programme in Schools

Chief Creator

1 year ago

The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Dr Bernard Valentin as Chairperson of the University of Seychelles Council, effective 24th March 2026, for a period of three (3) years. Dr Valentin brings to this role a distinguished record of public health leadership and national service. He currently serves as Special Advisor to the Minister for Health and has over a decade of experience as Principal Secretary for Health, having held the position across two terms from 2011 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2025. During his tenure, he provided executive oversight to the National Institute of Health and Social Studies, contributing significantly to the strengthening of academic programmes and institutional development. His leadership experience spans multiple national bodies. Dr Valentin is currently Chairperson of the Seychelles Medical and Dental Council and also chairs the non-governmental organisation Patient Solidarity. Since 2018, he has served as a member of the Seychelles Qualifications Authority and previously sat on the University of Seychelles Council between 2016 and 2018. At the international level, he represented Seychelles on the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation for three years, reflecting his engagement in global health governance. Dr Valentin holds a medical degree from the University of Athens and a Master of Arts in Health Services Management with distinction from the University of Manchester. He also holds a combined diploma in Epidemiology, Statistics and Management from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Diploma in Addiction Studies from the University of Reunion. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr Valentin has contributed to academic research, including coordinating the Seychelles component of an international study in collaboration with Lund University and the University of Rochester on the long-term public health effects of heavy metals on specific population groups. He has also co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the field of public health. Beyond his medical and policy career, Dr Valentin is an accomplished literary figure and a two-time laureate of the Antoine Abel Prize, Seychelles’ highest literary honour. Fluent in English, French, Greek, and Creole, he brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, administrative leadership, and cultural depth to the role. The Government welcomes Dr Valentin’s appointment and is confident that his extensive experience and leadership will contribute to the continued growth and strengthening of the University of Seychelles as a centre of academic excellence.

VICTORIA, Seychelles — The James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute (PDRI) at the University of Seychelles has launched a UNESCO-funded project aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and equipping students and educators with effective conflict-resolution strategies. The project, designed to support the Ministry of Education, will be piloted at the primary and secondary schools of Anse Royale and Mont Fleuri on Mahé.

Through targeted interventions, the project will empower teachers and students with practical skills to manage conflicts constructively and to promote a culture of mutual respect and cooperation. Activities include the development of a user-friendly Conflict Resolution Handbook tailored to the Seychelles context, a workshop to equip educators with techniques to implement in classrooms, and the setting up of peace clubs that encourage dialogue, empathy and cooperative behaviour among students.

The schools were chosen due to their proximity to the University of Seychelles campuses, enabling stronger collaboration between the schools and the national university. The PDRI has thanked the school management teams that have welcomed the project and expressed eagerness to collaborate. By integrating conflict resolution strategies into school environments, the project aspires to instil a lasting culture of peace and understanding among Seychelles’ youth.