Minister satisfied with first day of free public school breakfast service |06 September 2022

In light of government’s recent announcement for the provision of breakfast to registered primary and secondary students, Minister for Education Justin Valentin yesterday morning visited the Glacis primary school, and Pointe Larue schools, to observe the first day of the service.

Starting off at Glacis at around 7.30am, breakfast was in full swing for the 100 plus students who are benefitting under the programme, with numerous teachers mobilised to assist with the process.

As well as observing the process, Minister Valentin interacted both with the staff, and students, wishing them the best as they commence the final school term for the year.

“Since it is the first time that we are doing this, I want to observe what is happening within schools, get to know the challenges, the strong points, so that finally, when we have meetings and reviews, we can work together to improve the service. We want that the service is something that is effective and which works well, while at the same time, that it gives our children, as we have always said, a good start to the morning,” Minister Valentin stated.

Having observed the routine, the minister remarked that the first day was flowing smoothly, expressing satisfaction with the number of staff assisting with the service, as well as the school’s tuck-shop operator who joined forces to prepare the breakfasts. On the school’s menu was a choice of cereal and milk or bread with jam or cheese spread, bananas and oranges, as well as juices, tea and Ovaltine.

The number of children benefitting under the programme are yet to be determined, as applications are still coming in through schools. The numbers range at each institution, although by Friday the ministry expects to have a clearer picture of just how many families are being supported though this measure which is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents.

Minister Valentin seized the opportunity to convey the ministry's gratitude to all partners. He thanked Caritas Seychelles who had already commenced such a programme within public schools, and who still wants to provide the service for at least three schools. Caritas has also agreed to offer the assistance of its members at others.

“I wish to thank all head teachers, as the mobilisation has been extraordinary over three days – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. And, on Saturday, the head teachers, some accompanied by their teams, were present in their respective schools to receive the donations from the Seychelles Trading Company (STC),” he said.

STC is a key partner, as well as other business organisations including bakeries and farms supporting individual schools.

Head teacher Reine Bistoquet noted that 110 children were being catered for yesterday morning with the number expected to increase.

“It has been a little hectic for us, but it is going well. Being the first week, we expect to be under some pressure, but over the coming days the pressure will ease,” Ms Bistoquet said.

As for the Pointe Larue school, Bernard Denis, a parent present for the breakfast session, praised the government’s initiative, especially for children who may not have the opportunity, or whose parents lack the means to provide them with a nutritious breakfast each morning.

Similarly, head teacher of the Pointe Larue primary school, Mirena Medor, noted that the programme did not necessitate arrangements different to what they already had with Caritas.

“It has flowed well. We are being assisted by the tuck-shop operator and they make the preparations, and the children have their breakfast and then proceed to class. We understand that some may turn up late every once in a while, and we are also providing a mid-morning snack for those who may want to do so, including children under the Dedicated Fund,” the head teacher said.

“Of course the tuck-shop is operating as normal. I would encourage as many parents to sign their children up for the programme. It is also promoting a healthy diet,” Ms Medor stated.

Some parents and retail organisations have risen to the occasion, offering donations and contributions towards the school. 

The minister also intended to visit other schools for a brief review of how the first day of service went.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the breakfast activity at the Glacis school.

Laura Pillay

Photos by Louis Toussaint