Fazenda da Esperança Opens as Beacon of Hope for Community Healing
The President of the Republic of Seychelles,Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice President Ahmed Afif, and Mrs. Stella Afif, officially inaugurated the Fazenda da Esperança (La Ferme de L'espoir) therapeutic centre for addiction recovery at Port Glaud.
The inauguration ceremony drew distinguished ecclesiastical leaders from across the Indian Ocean Episcopal Conference (CEDOI), including esteemed Bishops and Vicars representing Mauritius, Rodrigues Island, Comoros, Réunion, and Seychelles. Their collective presence highlighted the regional significance and spiritual foundation of this transformative initiative.
The facility represents a remarkable collaboration between the Catholic Diocese, the Government of Seychelles, and various private sponsors, with government funding of approximately 4.9 million Seychelles rupees. Designed as a comprehensive therapeutic centre, the facility embodies the nation's commitment to providing innovative solutions for addressing social challenges through community-based support and development.
The ceremony's highlight was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Ramkalawan, Bishop Alain Harel, His Excellency Apostolic Nuncio Bishop Tomasz Gryza, and Father Jose Luis Menezes, President of Fazenda da Esperança. The occasion also featured the signing of memoranda and the ceremonial handover of keys to a Mazda pickup truck sponsored by SEYPEC Seychelles.
In his welcoming address, Bishop Alain Harel of the Diocese of Port Victoria described the facility as "an answer to a cry for deliverance from addictions," expressing gratitude for the unwavering collaboration among all stakeholders that made the project possible.
Minister of Employment and Social Affairs Mrs. Patricia Francourt remarked that "La Ferme de l'espoir conjures waves of positive expectation and anticipation—a place to nurture hope."
President Ramkalawan commended the valuable contribution of the Catholic Church to the country's social development, stating, "La Ferme de l'espoir must be one which gives us hope." He urged society to play an active role in eliminating the scourge of drugs affecting communities across Seychelles.
The ceremony was attended by the Cabinet of Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Honourable Roger Mancienne, Elected Member of the National Assembly for Port Glaud District Honorable Egbert Aglae, additional Members of the National Assembly, Vicars General and members of the clergy, centre management and missionaries of La Ferme de l'espoir, sponsors, and invited guests.
Following the official proceedings, the distinguished delegation participated in a comprehensive guided tour of the facility.