Annual Regatta activity off the Round Table calendar this year |12 August 2021

Project is at re-roofing stage, works involved partial demolition of the existing structure and also enlargement of the first floor

An annual and much awaited event over the past decades, the Regatta will once again not feature on the Round Table Seychelles calendar of events this year due to the ongoing restrictions related the Covid-19 pandemic.

Being the organisation’s most successful event, the Regatta which traditionally takes place on the last weekend of September of each year at the Beau Vallon water front area, has been over the years the main fundraising activity, bringing the majority of funding, which alongside other sponsorships allowed the Round Table Seychelles to carry out several community projects.

Despite the halt to the activity, delaying several planned-projects of the Seychelles Round Table, the organisation has not stopped working on its ongoing ones.

The organisation has undertaken many activities during the past years which have helped and contributed to our society and communities, especially the most vulnerable.

All charitable, medical and meaningful projects are evaluated to make sure that they are within the committee’s criteria, aim and visions. 

To undertake these projects, the Round Table Seychelles depends on sponsorships, along with other fund-raising activities such as musical shows, charity dinners and charity baskets among others which have all been put on hold due to the health restrictions.

The Round Table Seychelles celebrated its 48th anniversary in March and its vision is to make a positive difference and impactful change in the community.

It is headed by Daniel Benoit who is also the new elected chairperson for the Round Table Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Region (AMI).

The organisation is an affiliated one that develops the association of young men through friendship and fellowship, professional development, international relationships and charity creativities.

The association was originally founded in Norwich, United Kingdom in the year 1927 and here in Seychelles, the organisation was first set up by Serge Pool, owner of the Modern Printing Services at the time in March 1973.

Very grateful, Mr Benoit thanks all the stakeholders, partners and members of the public for their active participation in the past activities.

“What I would like to see is that jointly with the faithful partners of the Round Table from the past, we all continue to work together to keep on finding ways to push forth projects that benefit our society, especially the less fortunate members of our communities,” said Mr Benoit who also invited new partners onboard to support the cause and be involved in future projects.

Projects updates from 2018 proceeds – Newly constructed block at the School for the Exceptional Child

The funding raised from the 2018 Regatta was used to fund the newly constructed block at the School for the Exceptional Child. 

To date, the project has reached its final stage with only minor fitting works such as windows and lights left to be completed.

This project included the construction of two additional classrooms and a multi-purpose mess hall at a cost of R1.5 million.

It is a collaboration between the Round Table Seychelles, the office of former President Danny Faure and the Ministry of Education.

Projects updates from 2019 proceeds – Complete refurbishment of two blocks for the boys’ dormitory at the President’s village

The second project which is also still on-going is the complete refurbishment of two blocks for the boys’ dormitory at the President’s Village at Port Glaud in partnership with the Soroptimist Seychelles, at a cost of R1.7 million.

The restoration will provide much needed space in the dormitory, to better cater for the boys’ needs  as it is was crowded, while some basic facilities could not be previously catered for.

With the help of a former Tabler, the structural design was re-designed to make it more conducive and user-friendly for the boys living at the village.

Completion of the work which includes the fixing of bathing areas, wardrobe areas, along with bedside amenities and a more conducive space for the guardians’ dormitories will definitely provide more space.

Barbara Jean-Baptiste