VICTORIA, Seychelles — President Dr Patrick Herminie has announced plans to construct a new purpose-built school for children with special needs, following visits to the School for the Exceptional Child in Roche Caiman and the Autism Centre in North East Point. The President was accompanied by Finance Minister Pierre Laporte and Education Minister David Pierre.
The new facility aims to provide an improved environment for teaching, learning, therapy and specialised care. Teachers and staff at existing facilities will benefit from specialised training in collaboration with international partners, as part of the government’s broader strategy to equip professionals with the skills needed to support children and foster their development into independent, productive citizens.
At the School for the Exceptional Child, which currently serves 107 learners with diverse disabilities, head teacher Marie-May Lemon welcomed the President’s early visit. The school has implemented Individualised Education Plans and received Eco-School awards, but continues to face structural and staffing challenges. At the Autism Support Centre, director Mikella Nourrice highlighted staffing shortages as a key concern. The centre, which transitioned under the education sector last year, currently supports 40 children.
