VICTORIA, Seychelles — First Lady Down syndrome inclusion initiative reached a heartwarming milestone as 18 children from the You and Me Foundation visited the Family House in Bel Eau last Saturday afternoon. The event, hosted by First Lady Veronique Herminie and her team, celebrated creativity, inclusion, and meaningful engagement through activities including a bouncy castle, dancing, karaoke, games, and painting.
This gathering carries profound significance for families affected by Down syndrome in Seychelles, demonstrating that children with disabilities deserve spaces where they feel valued and included. The First Lady’s commitment to making her office accessible and welcoming sends a powerful message about the importance of embracing diversity in society. For parents and caregivers, seeing their children participate in such activities provides hope and encouragement, reinforcing that their children are valued members of the community.
The children, accompanied by foundation members and volunteers, enjoyed a lively afternoon that reinforced the spirit of togetherness. The First Lady explained that she wanted her office decorated in a unique way, with contributions from children. She noted that a second group—children on the autism spectrum—will also be invited to add their special touch. “These gatherings are not just about fun; they are about the conversations, the connections, and the opportunities that arise during the event,” Mrs Herminie said, stressing the importance of identifying partners and volunteers who can contribute meaningfully to each initiative.
The event featured touching moments, including recognition of Daniel, a person with a disability who runs a home-based music studio despite health challenges. The First Lady expressed admiration for his resilience and hopes that support from such initiatives will help him acquire a new computer to continue his work. She also shared her vision of recruiting a person living with disability to work at the reception, encouraging other organisations to follow suit. Vice-chair of the You and Me Foundation, Linda Lespoir, emphasised that true inclusion requires sustained effort, noting that while children enjoy socialising, older individuals with Down syndrome often face isolation.
Looking ahead, the First Lady has prioritised disability inclusion since taking office, particularly autism awareness. She has engaged stakeholders locally and internationally, including discussions in the United Arab Emirates on structured parent-support groups for families of children with autism. She has ensured continuity of successful past initiatives while adapting them to reach new groups. Her work is supported by a growing network of partners, including parent groups, the National Council for Children, the School for the Exceptional Child, and the Agency for Social Protection.
The Family House continues to serve as a beacon of inclusive community engagement.
📷 Image source: Ministry of Social Affairs — socialaffairs.gov.sc
