VICTORIA, Seychelles — Children with speech and language difficulties will now receive targeted support thanks to a new national initiative launched by the Institute for Early Childhood Development. The project, unveiled by IECD chairman Dr Javier Rose during a ceremony at the Seychelles Institute for Teacher Education on International Children’s Day, aims to address communication challenges among children aged 5 to 8 identified as performing below expected levels in the Early Learning Readiness Assessment.
Speech and language development is a cornerstone of children’s learning, communication, and social interaction. Early difficulties can hinder classroom participation, literacy readiness, and social confidence. Addressing these challenges early can significantly improve academic outcomes and overall well-being. The programme will include block therapy of six sessions and home programmes with parents on Saturdays, along with a structured 14-week intervention programme using play-based tools and phonology programmes in both Creole and English.
The initiative promotes evidence-based strategies such as interactive storytelling to expand vocabulary and comprehension, language-rich classrooms with role-play, singing, and collaborative activities, vocabulary development through games, songs, and daily routines, small group interventions focusing on listening, oral language, and social communication, play-based learning to encourage creative language use, and early identification through regular screening and assessments.
A total of 35 children has been selected for the project. Expected outcomes include improved communication, enhanced classroom participation, stronger social interactions, greater confidence, and higher academic achievement. Parent and caregiver involvement is essential to reinforce language growth at home. The initiative was developed by Seychelles speech pathologists Melina Amedee, Caelia Naiken-Benoiton, and Laetitia Adrienne.
Dr Rose emphasised IECD’s role as a Unesco Category 2 Centre, highlighting its philosophy of bridging gaps where support is needed. He called upon the local business community and private sector to support early childhood development as the most vital investment in the nation’s human capital. CEO Shirley Choppy added that investing in early childhood is fundamental to building a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future for local communities and globally.
The launch featured presentation of 70 first-aid kits to IECD by H.Savy Insurance Company, a storytelling journey by Danny’s Childminding, songs and performances by children from Footprints Beta Daycare and Michelle Marengo, and unveiling of the project logo which will be validated in November 2026.