Education and Justice Join Forces to Address School Behaviour Challenges
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, David Pierre, yesterday convened a landmark meeting with Chief Justice Roy Govinden and Minister for Social Affairs, Family and Equality Pamela Charlette at the Palais de Justice. It was the first meeting of its kind in Seychelles, bringing together education, justice, and social institutions to address behavioural challenges in schools.
Also present were Commissioner of Police Godfra Hermitte and Attorney General Vinsent Perera. Discussions covered current behavioural issues in schools, existing interventions, serious and extreme cases, legal processes, and recommendations for a way forward.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Minister Pierre reaffirmed the ministry’s guiding principle that schooling is an institution where children come to discover their talent, develop their talent and become responsible citizens in society. He acknowledged the rise of anti-social behaviour among students, stressing the need for schools to provide both education and discipline. He noted that they cannot do it on their own and need the aid of stakeholders and other entities to make this happen, recognising that there are other principal actors that need to be brought on board.
Minister Pierre explained that offences committed by children must follow due process. If a child makes an offence, they must be dealt with in the court of law. The case cannot reach the court if it does not go through the police for investigation or the AG’s office. He emphasised the importance of prevention, advocating for life skills education to instil tolerance, awareness, and positive attitudes.
On the youth offenders facility established in 2017, Minister Pierre confirmed that discussions had taken place and consensus reached. The facility will be focused on rehabilitation and not punitive. Moreover, the laws in place will be reinforced. He said they are equally doing sensibilisation in schools and will empower head teachers and management to make the right decisions.
The meeting marks a significant step towards a coordinated inter-agency approach to addressing challenging behaviour among young people in Seychelles.
