Monday, January 8, 2024, will be remembered as a significant milestone for the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) in Seychelles, as Captain David Savy concludes his tenure, almost one decade, as Chairman of the Institute’s Local Board. His remarkable service, which began in 2015, witnessed the establishment of the Institute’s initial legal framework, has led to tremendous transformative growth and recognition in the domain of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECCE), and Development (ECCD). Throughout his term, the Institute has set high standards as a government organization and paved the way for the development of young citizens of Seychelles, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Captain Savy brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the IECD, drawing on his background as a seasoned Chief Executive Officer, Trainer, and Examiner in quality assurance and control in aviation, among other roles, in various large organizations in Seychelles. Grounded in a single, clear idea – “Do what’s best for the Child” – his strategic vision has consistently guided the Institute’s actions and policies, prioritizing the needs of young children in all developmental initiatives.
Under Captain Savy’s guidance, the IECD has made remarkable progress, particularly in training and capacity building for child care service providers, parents, and professionals in the early childhood sector. In a time when early childhood education, in particular in the child care service, was not widely recognized as a profession in the Seychelles, Captain Savy’s focus on enhancing educator skills in the child care sub-sector has laid a solid foundation for young children to excel in formal early childhood and primary education.
The commitment to quality training for children aged 0-3 years, alongside robust quality assurance, research, advocacy, and coordination efforts, has established the IECD as a beacon of excellence. This dedication culminated in its designation as a Best Practice Hub for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in 2017 and subsequently as a UNESCO Category 2 Institute in 2019 and functioning officially in 2021—the only one of its kind globally dedicated to ECCE. This recognition represents a monumental achievement for Seychelles and is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer and staff, as well as the collaboration of relevant partners and stakeholders in ECCE, support of benefactors and the Seychellois people, all of whom have played vital roles in this journey toward excellence.
Reflecting on his tenure, Captain Savy expressed pride in the accomplishments of past and present board members, and founding members highlighting their collaborative efforts that have propelled the Institute to its current acclaim. “We have achieved so much together, and I feel honored to have led such a talented and dedicated team,” he stated in a recent interview. However, he also expressed some regrets over projects that could have been expedited, such as the construction of the IECD House, which will serve as the headquarters of the UNESCO Category 2 Institute and for which assistance was secured from an external donor. Additionally, he noted the general lack of resources that has hindered the Institute’s capacity to fully implement its mandate.
As Captain Savy hands over the leadership to a new board, he hopes to see these outstanding projects through to completion. He encourages the incoming team to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector, emphasizing that investing in young children is the best investment a country can make, yielding the greatest social, educational, and economic returns. Captain Savy remains committed to supporting the Institute in any capacity, reflecting his enduring passion for early childhood development.
The objective of the IECD Board centers on fostering a comprehensive approach to early childhood development, ensuring that regulations, policies, and practices prioritize the holistic needs and development of children from birth to age eight. The Institute’s role in providing leadership and strategic direction for early childhood development—both locally and globally—encompasses coordinating and implementing research and training, advocacy, regulatory and quality assurance, resource provision, financial benefits management, and enhancing the quality of services delivered across Seychelles’ childcare, formal, and early primary education sectors.
As Captain Savy concludes his term, his legacy stands as a testament to what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and collaboration. With new leadership guiding the IECD forward, the future holds promise for further advancements in early childhood education, care, and development. The Seychellois and international community, along with all partners and stakeholders, await with anticipation as the journey of nurturing and developing young minds continues in this new era of leadership.
