VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Cabinet has approved sweeping reforms to education and disability services that will modernise support for vulnerable populations across the archipelago. Education and disability services reforms include expanding eligibility for the Skill Development Programme and restructuring the Ministry of Education into three core departments.
These significant policy changes represent the government’s commitment to inclusive development and responsive governance. The reforms address long-standing gaps in support systems while aligning national programmes with contemporary labour market needs and international best practices.
The Skill Development Programme will now accept participants aged 18-50, widening the previous 18-45 range. Annual enrolment has been increased from 150 to 200 participants, with training placements prioritised in key economic sectors. Transport support will be integrated directly into participants’ monthly allowance, and soft-skills training will be outsourced to professional experts.
The Cabinet also approved a revised administration policy for the Disability Trust Fund, expanding support for persons with disabilities and elderly individuals with age-related functional decline. Key changes include universal access to assistive devices, needs-based assessment to streamline eligibility, and a cap of one application per person per year at R8,000. Elderly individuals who develop disabilities as they age will now be able to apply for financial assistance.
The restructuring of the Ministry of Education creates three departments: General Education and Curriculum, Human Resource Development, and Educational Support and Projects. Additionally, Cabinet decided to discontinue government-funded A-Level studies at Vijay International School on Praslin due to cost considerations, with all future A-Level students pursuing their education on Mahé.
The reforms demonstrate government’s dedication to building a more equitable and skilled society.
📷 Image source: Ministry of Social Affairs — socialaffairs.gov.sc
