World NGO Day, February 27 |27 February 2017

Seychelles observes World NGO Day for first time

Seychelles is for the first time observing the World NGO Day – which is commemorated every year on February 27 – under the patronage of Ceps, the national platform for civil society organisations.

In a message for the occasion, the chairperson of Ceps and President of SADC Council of NGOs Jules Hoareau has called on all NGOs to push for greater accountability, transparency and good governance on the part of the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.

“As volunteers, we can also unite and engage constituencies in taking the lead on issues affecting our communities,” says Mr Hoareau in his message, the full text of which reads: 

“World NGO Day is commemorated annually on February 27. It is the first time that this commemoration is being observed in Seychelles under the patronage of Ceps, the national platform for civil society organisations.

“As the non-state actor, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or NPOs (non-profit organisations) are part of the civil society sector and they contribute enormously to the development of the country.

“NGOs are highly diverse groups of organisations engaged in a wide range of activities and working in a variety of sectors from health, good governance, democracy, environment, youth empowerment and many others.

“The number of NGOs worldwide is estimated to be 3.7 million.

“In Seychelles we have NGOs working in different thematic areas such as rights, good governance, environment, health, social, socio-economic, sports, religious, youth, gender, and many more. 

“Volunteers are at the heart of the civil society sector and the driving force of NGOs.

“On the occasion of World NGO Day, I would like to remind all volunteer based organisations and volunteers of their fundamental roles in engaging people at grass-root level in the development process and ultimately generating space for active participation of the citizens that will lead to: good governance, peace and security, social cohesion and prosperity of our country.

“World NGO Day is  an occasion for  volunteers and volunteer based organisations to sensitise people on their contributions, to share their values, and promote the spirit of volunteerism in the communities. As we observe this day, I wish to highlight the imperative roles of the civil society sector in capacity building of citizens and in setting the new agenda for the implementation of sustainable development goals. Volunteer groups must act as agents of change and localise the new agenda by providing innovative areas of interaction between us the citizens and the government.

“Today I am calling on all NGOs to push for greater accountability, transparency and good governance on the part of the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary. As volunteers, we can also unite and engage constituencies in taking the lead on issues affecting our communities. 

“Finally I wish to thank all volunteers and NGO leaders for their contributions and hard work in transforming the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters.  

“Happy NGO Day!”