VICTORIA, Seychelles – On 7 August, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Seychelles Chapter marked a historic milestone with the announcement of its new Executive Committee, ushering in a renewed era of commitment to advancing girls’ education and gender equity across the picturesque islands of the Seychelles archipelago.
The new committee, led by Hon. Merna Eulentin as Chairperson, represented a fresh chapter in FAWE Seychelles’ journey. With a wealth of experience in public service and a deep-seated passion for education and women’s empowerment, Hon. Eulentin brought visionary leadership that promised to build on the chapter’s strong foundation and propel it toward even greater impact.
The transition marked not just a change in leadership but a reaffirmation of FAWE Seychelles’ unwavering commitment to creating educational opportunities for girls and young women. The incoming committee inherited a chapter that had demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of considerable challenges, emerging stronger and more determined than ever to advance its mission.
“We are delighted to welcome this new team of passionate and dedicated leaders who will drive FAWE Seychelles forward,” said a FAWE Africa representative. “Their election represents a renewed commitment to ensuring that every girl in Seychelles has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach her full potential.”
As the chapter embraced this new era, FAWE Africa extended its deepest gratitude to the outgoing Executive Committee for their steadfast dedication and remarkable resilience. Despite navigating considerable challenges, their unwavering efforts had laid a solid foundation and built a strong bridge for the future of the chapter.
The outgoing committee’s tenure was marked by significant achievements in advancing girls’ education and gender equity, even in the face of obstacles. Their work had ensured that FAWE Seychelles remained a vital force in the country’s educational landscape, advocating for policies and programmes that supported girls’ access to education and their success within the system.
The smooth transition was made possible through the invaluable presence and guidance of Hon. Simone Marie-Anne de Comarmond, FAWE Africa Board Member and Immediate Former Chairperson of FAWE Seychelles. Her wealth of experience and strategic insight were instrumental in ensuring a seamless handover and in reinforcing the continental vision of the FAWE network.
Hon. de Comarmond’s leadership had been pivotal in strengthening the connection between FAWE Seychelles and the broader FAWE Africa network. Her deep understanding of both local and continental priorities had ensured that the chapter remained aligned with FAWE’s mission of advancing girls’ education across 34 African countries. Her continued presence on the FAWE Africa Board ensured that Seychelles’ unique perspective continued to shape the network’s strategic direction.
The new Executive Committee, under Hon. Eulentin’s leadership, was poised to build on this strong foundation. Their vision included:
– Advancing Girls’ Education: Ensuring that every girl in Seychelles had access to quality education from early childhood through tertiary levels.
– Strengthening Gender Equity: Challenging harmful norms and practices that limited girls’ potential and creating more equitable learning environments.
– Expanding Partnerships: Building on existing relationships and forging new ones to amplify the impact of FAWE Seychelles’ work.
– Empowering Young Women: Creating mentorship and leadership opportunities that equipped young women to become agents of change in their communities.
FAWE Seychelles’ new leadership aligned with the broader FAWE Africa vision of creating an inclusive, equitable, and transformative education system across the continent. The chapter’s work contributed to FAWE’s continental priorities, including:
– Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: Equipping teachers with the skills to create inclusive classrooms where all students could thrive.
– Preventing Gender-Based Violence: Creating safe learning environments free from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
– Second Chance Pathways: Providing opportunities for out-of-school girls and young women to return to education and build better futures.
– Women in Leadership: Developing the next generation of female leaders in education, politics, and business.
A Call to Action
As FAWE Seychelles embarked on this new chapter, the entire FAWE Africa network stood in solidarity, ready to support and celebrate the impactful initiatives that would unfold under this dynamic leadership. The announcement of the new Executive Committee was not just a moment of celebration but a call to action—a reminder that the work of advancing girls’ education was ongoing and that every contribution mattered.
“We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact that Hon. Merna Eulentin and her team will bring to FAWE Seychelles,” said a FAWE Africa representative. “Their leadership, combined with the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, promises a bright future for girls and young women across the Seychelles.”