Children’s Conference |11 November 2023
‘Safeguarding starts with you’
The first Safeguarding Children's Conference, organised by the National Council for Children, took place yesterday at the Savoy Resort & Spa, bringing together representatives from secondary one of private and public schools, along with the head teachers.
The conference aimed to address critical issues concerning child protection, education, and overall well-being. The programme encompassed a diverse array of workshops, ranging from online safety, protective behaviour, and bullying to substance use prevention and more.
In absentia, the Minister for Youth, Sports, and Family, Marie-Celine Zialor, conveyed her heartfelt greetings to the children participating in the programme.
In her message, she emphasised the pivotal role children play in safeguarding themselves.
The minister expressed optimism that the conference would equip them with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance their self-protection.
“It is an unfortunate reality that, as children, they may encounter potentially hazardous situations, particularly online. My sincere hope is that the children would learn valuable lessons from the insights shared by adults and discover effective ways to protect both themselves and their peers.”
Keynote speaker, Désirée Hermitte, spoke extensively on the concept of safeguarding, explaining its meaning and underscoring its significance. In her discourse she added poignant stories to illustrate key points. Mrs Hermitte emphasised the fundamental right of children, akin to everyone else, to feel safe and secure in their daily lives.
“Acquiring knowledge about personal safety is an integral aspect of maturation, empowering young minds to make informed decisions and shield themselves from potential risks. Today we are witnessing the collaborative efforts evident in the assembly of partners and it shows a shared commitment to safeguarding children.”
Mrs Hermitte gave various scenarios where children need to take measures to safeguard themselves. She stressed the importance of imparting the understanding that not everyone is a friend, urging children to always consult a trusted adult before engaging with strangers or accepting anything from them.
Regarding the importance of safety within the school environment, Mrs Hermitte noted that schools serve as crucial platforms for children to come forward and confide in cases related to their safety.
“In Seychelles, we have laws in place to ensure the well-being of children. Schools employ proactive strategies to foster a healthy environment, enabling children to thrive securely. The promotion of values in schools and communities further contributes to cultivating such a nurturing environment.”
At home, children should also feel safe and secure. For her part, NCC’s chief executive, Yasmin Umarji, emphasised “The family should do everything possible to protect a child from abuse”.
She shared her long-standing desire to organise a children's conference during her term at NCC, bringing together professionals and children under one roof to discuss self-care.
“This year, students from S1 were chosen, following last year's collaboration with P6 students. The goal is to address the increasing challenges faced by younger children, empowering them to make decisions about their bodies. Six students from each school on Mahé attended the conference, with the hope that they would share the messages with their peers,” explained Ms Umarji.
Concerns about confidentiality were raised by the children. Ms Umarji announced that, through funding from the British high commission, a trainer of trainers from the United Kingdom would conduct safeguarding training with two teachers from primary and secondary schools. Emphasising the importance of confidentiality, she expressed NCC's commitment to developing safeguarding policies in schools. Ms Umarji also expressed the intention to introduce safeguarding ambassadors in schools and communities.
Averil Asba, 12, from English River school, found the conference highly educational. She highlighted the importance of addressing abuse, as many children suffer in silence, impacting their studies and lives. Averil stressed on the need for more support for children in such situations.
Various topics were addressed during the conference, including online safety by San Finesse, substance use prevention led by Jennifa Belmont from the Division for Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation, protective behaviour led by NCC staff, and empowering children against bullying led by Ms Bethew.
Body safety was another focus, raising awareness of personal boundaries and the privacy of their bodies. Children were taught proper names for body parts and encouraged to say “no” if they felt uncomfortable. Open communication about feelings was promoted, assuring children that they can always talk about anything.
The conference, sponsored by various entities, including the British high commission and the Chinese embassy, was successful. During the programme, Andrea Alcindor, a young adult who became pregnant at 16, shared her story. Students provided reflections, and the Plaisance Boys choir was also present for their performances. The conference is also scheduled to take place on Praslin and La Digue.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the conference.
Vidya Gappy
Photos: Louis Toussaint
