Strengthening families and giving young people hope emerged as key areas of discussion as President Dr Patrick Herminie received a delegation on Tuesday from the Seventh-day Adventist Mission for a courtesy call at State House.
The delegation was led by Pastor Ntep Ntep, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission, accompanied by Pastor Theophile Tefison, Executive Secretary; Mr Hugh Watts, Chief Financial Officer; and Mr Garry Woodcock, a theology student preparing for pastoral ministry.
Discussions focused largely on the role strong families can play in addressing some of the social challenges affecting Seychelles, particularly drug abuse, and on how the Church can complement national efforts through prevention, family support and community-based initiatives.
Among the initiatives discussed was the establishment of a Family Centre in Seychelles. The proposed centre would provide support to families and contribute towards strengthening the family as a core foundation of society, while placing greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
The delegation also highlighted its work with families and communities, including initiatives on Praslin and La Digue, and expressed its willingness to work alongside the government in areas where the Church’s experience and community presence could make a difference.
President Herminie welcomed the proposed collaboration, noting that the drug situation remains a serious concern and requires different sectors of society to work side by side. He stressed that efforts must continue to address demand reduction while ensuring that young people are given positive alternatives, role models and a sense of hope for their future.
“Tackling drug abuse can no longer be limited to simply telling young people not to use drugs. Greater attention must be placed on creating an environment in which young people can see opportunities ahead of them and have the support needed to make positive choices,” said the President.
For his part, Pastor Ntep Ntep said strengthening the family must remain at the core of efforts to address the social challenges affecting communities. He explained that the proposed Family Centre would provide a space dedicated to supporting and empowering families, while promoting stronger family relationships and helping to address problems before they escalate.
Pastor Ntep also highlighted the importance of perseverance and prevention in tackling drug abuse, stressing that the Church is prepared to work alongside the government and other partners in this effort.
The meeting also explored how the government and the Seventh-day Adventist Mission could support each other’s efforts, with President Herminie encouraging the delegation to identify practical areas in which the Church could contribute to the country’s broader social agenda.
With a short prayer, the meeting concluded, and the delegation offered a blessing for President Herminie.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
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Seychelles: Stronger Families, Brighter Futures: President Herminie and Adventist Mission Unite Against Social Ills
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