In its first year as a UNESCO Category 2 Institute, the Seychelles Early Childhood Development Institute (IECD) hosted a high-level meeting with diplomats from France, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, and the United States on June 8th. This meeting marked the beginning of a series of engagements with prominent groups and individuals following the establishment of the Institute’s Governing Board in October 2023. The gathering provided an opportunity for the diplomats to receive an update on the Institute’s strategic direction and activities.
Dr. Mmantsetsa Marope, Chairperson of the Governing Board, emphasized the importance of forming partnerships with entities locally and globally. With IECD’s new designation as a Category 2 Institute, she noted that the organization has become a global entity, requiring collaborations and alliances to achieve its objectives. Captain David Savy, Chairman of the Local Board, and Mrs. Shirley Choppy, CEO, also stressed the significance of this designation in terms of developing internal capabilities, sharing knowledge, and advancing early childhood care and education.
The diplomats actively participated in the information-sharing session, proposing several potential collaboration opportunities for IECD. They suggested sharing technical expertise from organizations, particularly non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in their respective countries. The US ambassador showed a specific interest in working together on initiatives that support the development of young children with special needs. The meeting cultivated a spirit of cooperation, laying the groundwork for future partnerships that can amplify IECD’s global impact.
The Category 2 Institute is poised to leverage these relationships to develop selective ECCE programmes, strengthening its capacity to provide high-quality education and training to professionals working in early childhood care and education. By engaging with international partners, IECD is well-positioned to become a leading global authority in early childhood development and education.
This meeting marks an important milestone in IECD’s efforts to expand its global reach and influence. As a Category 2 Institute, IECD is committed to promoting early childhood care and education worldwide, and these partnerships will be instrumental in achieving its vision.
