In a pioneering initiative led by Shirley Choppy, CEO of the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD)/UNESCO Category 2 Institute, in Seychelles, three staff members—Alix Joubert, Maria Emmanuel, and Prisca Leon—have embraced a unique opportunity to deepen their expertise in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through a Bachelor’s Degree Honours programme at the Open University of Mauritius. This programme, part of a broader organisational goal to enhance staff skills and knowledge, is especially timely as IECD recently achieved recognition as a UNESCO Category 2 Institute, marking a new chapter in its commitment to excellence in early childhood care and education and a milestone achievement for the education system and Seychelles.
Each participant brings a unique perspective shaped by their roles within IECD. Alix Joubert, the Senior Compliance Officer, spoke about the initial apprehensions he felt starting the course. “When I first started, I was a bit reluctant because of my age—thinking maybe I was too old,” he admitted, but soon discovered the potential benefits the course could offer his work. Maria Emmanuel, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, shared a similar mix of excitement and nerves. “I always wanted to further my studies,” she said, and as someone who finds purpose in education, she believes this step will enrich her contributions to IECD. Prisca Leon, the Research Officer, was initially anxious about entering the world of university studies, as it was unfamiliar territory, but she eagerly anticipates applying her learnings to her research role.
CEO Choppy, a long-time advocate for the growth of IECD staff, emphasised the critical timing of these scholarships, especially in light of IECD’s new UNESCO international status. “It’s been some time since we requested these scholarships; typically, organisations are supported with in-service advanced training every year, and IECD is no exception,” Choppy explained. “I made the request some time ago, and it was incorporated into IECD’s annual training plans. Achieving Category 2 UNESCO organisation status has empowered me to advocate for these courses, as our staff need to be well-trained and qualified to fulfill the mandate and priorities of the Category 2 Institute, both locally and internationally. We will soon start collaborating with other countries and organisations, and it is imperative that our knowledge of early childhood is at an advanced level to provide technical support to other nations in their programmes. The world should be able to turn to us for expertise and solutions to enhance and advance the global Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) agenda.”
At this juncture, the Institute wishes to convey its heartfelt gratitude to the Minister of Education, Dr. Justin Valentin for his steadfast support in facilitating and endorsing IECD’s request for furthering staff development.
