Teachers’ Day celebrations |24 October 2022

The retired educators in a souvenir photograph

Retired teachers on Praslin hosted to lunch

Twenty retired teachers on Praslin joined together to celebrate this year’s Teachers’ Day in a relaxing afternoon lunch and fellowship.

The special event was initiated by the Seychelles Association of Retired Education Professionals (Sarep), a newly launched association which aims to bring together retired education professionals. This was held at the Eve Island Restaurant where a sumptuous lunch was laid out in a delightful ambiance.

Jeanne Simeon, former Minister for Education and Sarep chairperson, thanked the participants and called on them to remain active, linked and make the most of their retirement.

“As we always say, ‘once a teacher, always a teacher.’ So today, we celebrate you all and the special memories you have built over the years in the education system. Such activities allows us to come together to share our memories, experience and knowledge, meet new individuals and catch up with old peers. It allows us to share with same minded people and that keeps us healthy and increases our lifespan.”

The teachers were encouraged to take heed of upcoming activities which are bound to be beneficial to them. The first one will be an Oral Health Talk and Screening, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

Edna Bellard, ex-Grand Anse primary school head teacher who retired in 2018, is the Sarep executive committee representative for the Praslin Chapter. With 44 years experience in education, she spearheads the group on the island and she expressed her appreciation of such an event.

“When we were informed about the formation of this association, we really appreciated the idea. For now, as we are still new, we are gradually registering members and so far the numbers keep going up. We are glad to see around 20 members today; this shows much enthusiasm. Sadly, we have others with health issues who would have loved to be here but unfortunately could not make it.”

Miss Bellard shared that although this is their first main activity on the island, soon they will be deciding on a calendar of activities which will surely keep the retired teachers on the move.

“We look forward to welcoming more members and we hope the association would help bring much benefits and joie de vive to the retired teachers as they enjoy their retirement.”

After its launch in August, 2022, Sarep, a non-profit organisation has been recruiting members and to date there are over 100 registered members with more currently registering. It aims to keep educational professionals linked to education, something which is surely close to their hearts. A yearly celebration is on schedule for the retired teachers to celebrate them and their contribution to the community.

Text: Nadia Bedier

Photos: Romano Laurence