The Department of Education met school leaders, teachers and students yesterday to share progress made so far in carrying out its reform programme.

The session, held at the Seychelles Trading Company’s conference centre, aimed to strengthen the partnership between education and its partners.

Addressing those present, Minister for Education, Employment and Human Resources Macsuzy Mondon said it is fitting to exchange views and reflect on what has been done as another phase in the reform journey ends.

She said the education reform 2009-10 came in response to President James Michel’s call for the transformation of the education and training system to better meet the goals of Seychelles’ Strategy 2017 and prepare the country to adapt to and take advantage of globalisation.

Mrs Mondon said the success of the reform will be reflected in the effectiveness of the educational institutions and the results of the students.

Among those at the meeting were former Education Minister Bernard Shamlaye, who is now responsible for Social Development and Culture, principal secretary for education Merida Delcy, director-general for schools Odile Octave and chief executive of the National Human Resources Development Council Christian Cafrine.

Other guests included Anglican Bishop James Wong, Education Department officers, headteachers, teachers and students from primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions, representatives of school councils, parent teachers associations and partner organisations.

Subjects of presentations included the adjusted early childhood curriculum, the review of the pastoral care system in schools and post-secondary institutions, teachers’ scheme of service, school governance and the national assessment framework.

The presenters gave the audience an overview of how the reforms in these areas were carried out and evaluated, and how they will move forward.

For the early childhood curriculum, the Creole reading scheme Papiyon at crèche year 2 and primary 1 levels was introduced. It was also evaluated and a report compiled, while a Creole reading scheme for primary 2 was developed and is set to be carried out in the first quarter of 2011.

As for the pastoral care system, a new one has been approved and introduced in primary and secondary schools, along with a revised student disciplinary policy and procedures.

School governance is another area that has been reviewed, with the approval of a new model of school management among other actions carried out.

The guidelines and framework for the new model are still to be finalised as part of the next phase of the reforms in 2011. Other actions will include finalising the organisational structure for the new model.

Restructuring and cutting down on the number of staff working in the Education Department was another reform carried out.

During her presentation, Mrs Delcy said the number of posts lost in 2008-09 as a result of the restructuring was 396, which represents 12.11% of the staff.

Support services such as the school meals centre have been outsourced, while the National Institute of Education has been transferred to the University of Seychelles.

The aspects that remain to be carried out in 2011 – the secondary school structure, diversifying the curriculum, summaries on teachers’ appraisal, competency framework and school councils – were discussed during the meeting.

Mrs Delcy said she is satisfied with how the reforms have been carried out and is certain their impact is being felt.

She said the department has faced several difficulties during the reforms, such as in finding resources and dealing with the opposition of some people.

In the next phase of the reform programme there will be an external quality assessment, whereby schools will be evaluated in a different way, she added.

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