Lions of Seychelles urges more voluntary community service, literacy drive in Seychelles |13 December 2025

Books donation at Belonie school

“I figured that I could make a small difference of my own, but by joining with other like-minded people, we could make a bigger difference,” said Lion Dharam Vir Sharma, Reading Convenor for Region G, Zone 13 (Seychelles) for Lionistic year 2025-26 District 411 A covering Seychelles, Kenya and Ethopia.

This was the comment made by Lion Dharam Vir Sharma when asked why he joined the Lions Club of Seychelles, the local branch of the Lions International, which is the world’s largest service club organisation in around 210 countries of the world, doing 100 percent volunteering services.

Lion mission is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. They fulfill this every day, everywhere they serve.

Locally, Lion Sharma had previously served as district officer for vision and sight for kids in Seychelles; a programme which provides eye screenings for students nationwide. The Lions also turned their attention to the elderly citizens.

“Today in Seychelles, service to elderly population is one of the most important missions of all lions. They have contributed so much to society development over so many years and now it is our turn to repay same by making their lives memorable and happier,” stated Mr Sharma.

To support this noble cause, Lions of Seychelles conducted vision screening for the 130 elderly residents from all nine homes on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and provided free glasses during 2021-22. “Now, we need to do more such as regular health checks not only for the eye screenings but providing support for those with other ailment including hearing impairment.”

The group recently joined forces with the crew of the INS Savitri naval ship, which was on a week-long mission to Seychelles to attend to residents at the Au Cap Home for the Elderly. “This was widely appreciated by all residents,” stated Lion Sharma.

Other than the health aspect, the organisation has also led a literacy campaign by organising reading sessions in schools, covering maximum number of students possible. He described the project as a “herculean task”, and called on everyone willing to assist to come forward.

“We always want to support service projects and work with partners who believe in ensuring every child enjoys reading to ensure they become more confident in future. Recently, we conducted some reading activities in schools on Mahé and more are being planned in the near future.”

Lion Sharma who joined Lions Club in 2014 shared how he is extremely a proud Lion of Seychelles. “Today, we have more dedicated and kind-hearted lions serving in Lions Club, Seychelles Centennial Women Lions Club, Melvin Jones Fellows & Leos. Where there is need, there is a Lion.  Once you become a Lions club member, you become connected to bigger family of about 1.4 million members worldwide.”

He is encouraging more service-driven Seychellois to come forward and join Lions of Seychelles in serving humanity. “Living and serving others is really a satisfying experience in our lives and every Seychellois believes in sharing and caring,” he stated.

“Being a lion member, you will realise all your social and service-related dreams. Furthermore, you become connected to about 1.4 million members worldwide. You have an advantage of leadership development and help communities near you. To add, you can spend free time with your family and friends at different service activities.  Certainly, a lion can travel across the globe and you will be welcomed everywhere,” shared Lion Sharma.

“You could be the next lion if one decides to serve others in need. We should never miss such a nice opportunity to serve others,” he concluded.

Anyone interested in joining the organisation can call Lions of Seychelles or send an e-mail to dharamakshay@yahoo.com or call +2482785445.

The accompanying photos show the members during some of their activities.

Contributed