The Ministry of Social Affairs, Family & Equality in Seychelles has initiated discussions with the Indian High Commission to explore areas of collaboration aimed at bolstering home care services and the broader social sector. This move is part of efforts to enhance the capacity of social workers and provide specialized knowledge and skills required for professional caregiving. Minister Pamela Charlette outlined the ministry's work in elderly care, disability services, and social work during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles, Rohit Rathish.
Minister Charlette highlighted that many individuals involved in home care currently provide services out of goodwill and compassion but often lack the necessary expertise. While formal training opportunities exist in social work, leading to diploma and degree qualifications, social workers require greater capacity in emerging areas such as case management, digitalisation, and social innovation. The ministry hopes to benefit from India's expertise, particularly given the longstanding cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting focused on the need for customized caregiver training programs with practical components. The parties also discussed the possibility of organizing exchange visits to provide participants with greater exposure and hands-on experience. Principal secretaries Mike Morel and Beryl Payet, as well as Home Care Agency chief executive Davis Mathiot, attended the meeting. The ministry is considering extending services for persons with disabilities on Praslin and will require technical support to establish the necessary services.
Indian High Commissioner Rohit Rathish expressed support for the initiative and offered assistance in developing customized training programs tailored to the specific needs of the ministry and Seychelles. He added that Indian experts could also assist in the development of policies related to home care and social work, as well as support the implementation of the Older Persons legislation currently being drafted.
Building the capacity of social workers will be crucial as the new legislation comes into force and as cases involving elderly abuse are expected to increase. Enhanced skills and expertise will help social workers better support investigations and legal proceedings in such cases. The ministry is seeking support in capacity building, training programs, including training of trainers, and exchange visits.
Mr. Rathish briefed the meeting on India’s home care strategy and said he could facilitate links between the ministry and relevant non-governmental organizations in India that could provide support in various areas. These include working with young people displaying challenging behavior, supporting women affected by violence, and managing shelters.
The collaboration between Seychelles and India aims to strengthen the social sector and improve the delivery of home care services. The Ministry of Social Affairs, Family & Equality will work closely with the Indian High Commission to develop and implement customized training programs and policies that meet the specific needs of Seychelles.
Key points
- Seychelles' Social Affairs ministry seeks India's support to enhance home care services and social sector through capacity building and training.
- The ministry aims to develop customized caregiver training programs with practical components and organize exchange visits for hands-on experience.
- India has offered assistance in developing policies related to home care and social work, as well as support for implementing the Older Persons legislation.
