Message by IECD chief executive Shirley Choppy on the occasion of Children's Day |02 June 2026

‘Let’s celebrate the joy, innocence, and limitless potential of every child’

“On this special occasion, we celebrate the joy, innocence, and limitless potential of every child. At IECD-Unesco Category 2, our vision is to create a Seychelles where all children have access to high-quality early childhood development programmes that nurture growth, protect rights, and empower them to become confident, capable individuals.

‘Our dedicated efforts focus on providing children, including those with special needs – with love, care, education, and the support they need during their formative years. This commitment is reflected in all the work we do locally as well as internationally, as part of our role as a global leader in Early Childhood Care and Education.

“We are excited to have launched a new initiative aimed at supporting children with speech and language difficulties, with many more to follow. This marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to reform early childhood care and education for the betterment of children, stakeholders, and partners involved.

“We believe in the holistic development of children and rely on evidence to guide our decisions and actions. Investing in early childhood is fundamental to building a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future – not only for our local communities but also for the world. It is also a sound economic investment for Seychelles and other member States.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and succeed. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.

“Wishing all children a joyful and hopeful Children's Day!”

Shirley Choppy

IECD chief executive