Alongside the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) hosted representatives from thirty-six (36) schools to a small ceremony to handover Certificates, in an effort to congratulate the seventy-two (72) teachers and school staff who successfully completed the RCSS Induction Session. The session, which took place early in September allowed the participants to learn more about the Red Cross movement, its fundamental principles, the code of conduct, the RCSS and its programs and services, and many more. This forms part of the ingoing work to prepare and equip the teachers with the appropriate knowledge to successfully and effectively run Red Cross School Clubs in their respective schools.
In the presence of partners at the La Rosiere Primary School such as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), the District Administrators of Saint Louis and Mont Buxton, RCSS committee members and volunteers, the ceremony kicked off with an opening speech by Ms. Regina Prosper, the Director of Health, Safety and Risk Management at the Ministry of Education followed by remarks from the President of the RCSS, Mr. Kisnan Tamatave.
Both parties emphasized the value of the clubs, which would essentially support the development of students into well-mannered individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility as well as better prepare the students to be able to help themselves and others when facing any eventualities. To become flexible, resilient, and caring members of the Red Cross Movement, students and teachers will both get training in various areas.
After the introductory remarks, RCSS volunteer Mr. Julinio Nourrice, who started out in the Red Cross Club in Anse Royale, talked about his experience and some of the club’s best practices whilst urging students to join the club and see how much it could benefit them. Furthermore, he discussed about how the club helped to foster him into the person he is today, as well as the numerous opportunities available, including trainings, opportunities to go on missions overseas, and the development of life skills that are useful in both work environment and daily life, and many more.
Following the Presentation of certificates by RCSS Committee Member Mrs. Barbara Carolus-Andre to the representatives, the RCSS made a donation of sanitizers, gloves and masks to the Ministry of Education which would help in the upkeep of hygiene in the schools. The donation which was handed over to Ms. Prosper by Mr. Tamatave would then be shared with the various schools on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
To end the ceremony, the invitees were treated to a display of the Seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement by students from the school as well as a dance which was warmly accepted by the audience.
Following the presentation of certificates, further trainings will follow to continue to equip the teachers and school staff with the capabilities and knowledge in specialized fields such as in Disaster Risk Reduction, First Aid and more. Alongside the Ministry of Education, the RCSS would be assisting to ensure that volunteer forms are being distributed to each school and that students and teachers begin to make their yearly membership fee contribution of Rs50 for students and Rs150 for teachers prior to the clubs’ launch, which is set for the beginning of next year 2025.