President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, attended the official opening ceremony of the Anse Royale Crèche on Wednesday afternoon, marking the successful completion of a significant educational infrastructure project.
The Anse Royale Crèche, whose construction began in October 2019 and was contracted to A&H Builders, represents a total investment of SCR 24.7 million. The comprehensive educational facility comprises eight classrooms, one dining room, one multi-purpose room, one computer room, and one art room. The building also includes essential shower facilities and various support and administrative spaces, with a dedicated ramp to the first floor ensuring accessibility for all users. The project's scope extends beyond the main building to include future plans for a round building that will house an open play area on the ground floor and a room for performing arts on the first floor, further enhancing the facility's educational offerings.
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Ramkalawan, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, and Minister of Education Dr. Justin Valentin.
In her welcoming address, the Head Teacher of Anse Royale Primary School, Ms. Magda Rose, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who made the project possible. She said the opening represents the vision and collective commitment toward strengthening the foundation of children's education. "We are reminded of the responsibility we all share in nurturing our young learners," she noted. "This is a call to make full use of the new environment, delivering with dedication, creativity, and passion so that every child benefits from the opportunities this crèche provides."
Minister of Education Dr. Justin Valentin said the new crèche embodied the ministry's motto to establish a stronger and more engaging learning environment that makes learning relevant. He urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to learning: "Let us renew the desire to grow and flourish. Teachers, let us renew the commitment and passion we have toward our chosen profession. Parents, let us renew our responsibility to bring up our children and support the teachers in helping our children flourish," he emphasized.
In his keynote address, President Ramkalawan acknowledged that despite several challenges in completing the project, the government remained committed to seeing its completion. He thanked the teachers for their dedication to caring for the children and wished them courage in their profession as they strive for educational excellence.
The ceremony was enriched with cultural performances, including poem recitals, song performances, prayers and blessings, and dance presentations. The event concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting and a comprehensive tour of the new educational facility, allowing attendees to witness firsthand the modern learning environment now available to the Anse Royale community.
The completion of the Anse Royale Crèche represents a significant milestone in Seychelles' ongoing efforts to enhance educational infrastructure and provide world-class learning environments for its youngest citizens.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Minister for Local Government and Community Development Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau, Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Mrs. Marie-Celine Zialor, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Land and Housing Mr. Billy Rangasamy, Member of the National Assembly for the Anse Royale District Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel, Principal Secretaries, Directors, teachers, students, parents, and invited guests.