Family dept. unveils new make-up under restructuring plan |06 February 2021
PS Bonne (right) and Ms Nibourette (Photo: Jude Morel)
As previously announced by President Wavel Ramkalawan, the public service is presently going through a gradual process of restructuration as part of government’s strategy to boost efficiency and deliver better service.
The family department, which falls under the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family, recently revealed its new make-up plans under the ongoing restructuration which is still in the process of finalisation.
Under the leadership of Minister Marie-Celine Zialor and principal secretary (PS) Marie-Josée Bonne, the department will now constitute of three arms, namely the Research and Policy Planning Division, Elderly and Disabled Persons Division and the Quality of Life Division.
In a press conference yesterday at the Family House at Bel Eau, PS Bonne explained that the restructuration will bring new responsibilities to the department which was created in 2017 with the aim of enhancing social functioning at all levels of society by promoting, empowering and supporting the functions and responsibilities of individuals and families, while its vision is to create a responsible society where every Seychellois enjoys a good quality of life.
As part of the changes, the department will now absorb the functions of the defunct Poverty Alleviation department which was mandated to support the elimination of poverty through sustainable grass root centred policies, strategies and interventions promoting growth, well-being and socio-economic inclusion of all Seychellois citizens.
PS Bonne explained that since last year when the changes were being discussed, staff members were informed that those willing can be absorbed into the new structure, even if they will not hold the same position due to streamlining.
The functions of the defunct National Council for the Disabled (NCD) and the National Council for the Elderly (NCE) will also be absorbed by the family department.
PS Bonne noted that since the two councils were already functioning under their own policies and Acts, it will be a necessity for the department to come up with new and upgraded policies to better manage the functions and responsibilities of the newly set up bodies.
It is to note that NCD came into being through an Act in 1994 and its role was to coordinate the activities of public or private organisations and other persons engaged in the welfare of persons with disabilities. NCD functioned under the umbrella of the Ministry of Family Affairs and in 2008 it was given autonomy and has since been governed by a board of 10 members representing key sectors.
As for the NCE, it was created in 1997 with the task of coordinating the programmes and activities of organisations and other persons engaged in the welfare of the elderly, to provide care and assistance to them and also to advise the government on all matters concerning the elderly.
One of the main setbacks which PS Bonne said needs to be tackled is to set up a proper profiling system for everyone living with a disability, including their personal details and all their specific needs.
She explained that it is crucial to gather all the specific information in order to better assist them according to their particular needs.
PS Bonne also noted the top priority of the department is to, through the restructuring process, come up with a family-friendly package for the benefit of everyone.
She further added that the new minister is a very family-friendly character and therefore pushing for family-friendly work policies, including working from home and other related strategies, providing that targets are met.
Also present at yesterday’s press conference was senior human resource and budget management officer Gyra Nibourette who noted that Minister Zialor is promoting ‘work hard but smart’ policy, emphasising on flexibility working arrangements and delivery at the workplace.
This, she said, is being implemented through the introduction of work-life balance which refers to the level of prioritisation between personal and professional activities in an individual's life and the level to which activities related to their job are present in the home.
Other changes within the ministry include the dissolution of the boards of the National Sports Council (NSC), the Seychelles National Youth Council (SYNC) the National Council for Children and the Youth Enterprise Board.
Roland Duval
