At 15, an unexpected pregnancy could have ended one young girl’s educational journey. Instead, she persevered, became a teacher and went on to receive the President’s Cup. Her story of resilience set the tone for the launch as First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie officially launched the “Welcome to Puberty” Initiative at the SITE Auditorium, Mont Fleuri, on Thursday.
The “Welcome to Puberty” Initiative is being implemented through a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, and WOSITA Foundation, bringing together their efforts to provide young girls with the knowledge, practical support and confidence they need as they navigate puberty.
At the centre of the auditorium were 49 S1 girls from English River Secondary School, chosen for the soft launch and among the first beneficiaries of an initiative also designed to make conversations about puberty more open, informed and supportive.
In her keynote address, the First Lady spoke directly to the girls about understanding and accepting the changes that come with growing up. Her message centred on self-confidence, dignity and the importance of young girls having access to reliable information and trusted people with whom they can speak openly.
The 49 students each received a puberty pack as part of the launch. They represent the beginning of a wider distribution of 600 puberty packs to schools, extending the initiative beyond English River Secondary School to reach more young girls across the country.
One of the programme’s most inspiring moments came from a young teacher who shared her lived experience of becoming pregnant at 15 and overcoming significant challenges to continue her education. Her perseverance eventually saw her graduate as a teacher and receive the President’s Cup last year, offering the girls a powerful example of resilience and determination.
Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Mr David Pierre reinforced the importance of allowing every young person to develop without the pressure of comparison.
“Know that you have value and that there is no one else exactly like you,” he told the girls, reminding them that each person grows “in her own way and at her own pace”.
His message went beyond understanding the physical changes of puberty. He urged the students to make good choices, protect their dignity and never be afraid to ask questions respectfully or seek guidance from someone they trust.
The programme itself reflected that emphasis on giving young people a voice. Students contributed through a poem and a song, while a video message from Dr Abi Daré, author of “The Girl with the Louding Voice”, brought another message of encouragement to the young audience.
Rather than ending with speeches alone, the launch moved into an interactive dialogue, giving the students and parents an opportunity to participate in the conversation, ask questions and engage directly with the First Lady and other contributors to the programme.
Also attending were Mrs Lina Pillay, spouse of Vice-President Sebastien Pillay; Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Azarel Ernesta; Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel; United Nations Resident Coordinator for Seychelles Lisa Singh; ministers; Members of the National Assembly; principal secretaries; representatives of WOSITA Foundation; educators; parents; partners and sponsors.
The programme also featured a presentation by ELLE’S Foundation, one of the partners supporting the initiative, highlighting its contribution to the programme and support for young girls as they navigate puberty.
For the 49 girls taking part in the soft launch, the morning was more than the presentation of a puberty pack. It opened a conversation that the initiative hopes to carry into schools across Seychelles-one were growing up can be approached with knowledge rather than uncertainty, confidence rather than embarrassment, and the reassurance that questions are worth asking.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
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Seychelles – Growing with Confidence: First Lady Launches “Welcome to Puberty” Initiative
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