Representatives of the Elles Foundation, Ms. Lorea Rassool and Ms. Raisa Saley, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, at State House this morning.
During the meeting, the Foundation shared a documentary video highlighting the realities faced by adolescents in Seychelles, particularly issues surrounding teenage pregnancy, child abuse, and other social challenges. Since its establishment in 2022, the Elles Foundation has been advocating for greater awareness, education, and protection for vulnerable young people, especially young mothers.
The video also showcased initiatives led by the Foundation to support young parents, promote sex education and awareness on teenage pregnancy, and advocate for stronger child-protection measures.
President Herminie noted that teenage parents often face significant difficulties in caring and providing for their families. He reaffirmed that Government would continue to put in place targeted measures to protect and assist vulnerable children, including access to support such as STC cards, subsidised bus fares, free childcare services, and other forms of assistance.
The President also stressed the need for the nation to confront the root causes of issues affecting youth, including teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence. He emphasised that child abuse remains a systemic problem that requires unified national action.
President Herminie further indicated that Government will take a decision regarding the legal age of consent for sexual activity. Regardless of where the legal threshold is established, he underscored the importance of comprehensive education for both girls and boys on safe sex, sexually transmitted infections, personal hygiene, peer pressure, and emotional intelligence. He acknowledged that discussions on this matter may generate debate and criticism but affirmed that the country can no longer ignore the long-term consequences on young lives.
He added that laws will be strengthened and new legislation introduced, including compulsory DNA testing in appropriate cases, to ensure accountability for those who abuse children or fail in their duty to protect them. Through stronger legal frameworks, Government aims to reduce repeat offences and reinforce responsibility across families and communities.
The Elles Foundation operates primarily through volunteers and relies on donations and other funding, one of which is the Children’s Fund. Its programmes currently extend across several districts on Mahé and Praslin, focusing on teenage pregnancy, substance abuse prevention, child protection, and access to contraception for adolescent girls under 18.
The President commended the Foundation for its invaluable contribution to the welfare of young people, particularly girls, and to society at large. He expressed his support for assisting the Foundation in securing a permanent space from which to operate and confirmed that Government will explore avenues for further collaboration and assistance.