SEYPEC renews commitment for training of over 50 Seychellois Special Needs Teachers as Phase 3 of SEND Course ends

Seychellois Special Needs Teachers from the School of the Exceptional Child, Special Needs Co-coordinators and Ministry Officials undertook Module 3 of their ‘Foundation Course in Special Education Needs & Disabilities’ (SEND) from 16th September to 4th October 2016. The third phase of the training course, fully funded by Seychelles Petroleum Company Limited (SEYPEC) which was launched this year in January 2016. Mr. Somrajsingh Dhunnoo a Special Education Needs Specialist from the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) is present in Seychelles to facilitate Phase 3 of the course.

Mr Dhunnoo’s presence in Seychelles has been made possible through the financial assistance of SEYPEC and close partnership between the Ministries of Education in Seychelles and Mauritius as well as the MIE. SEYPEC is proud to be a driving force in supporting our Seychellois Special Needs Teachers and the Ministry of Education in meeting its capacity building needs. As we witness the commencement of Phase 3 of the Course, SEYPEC once again reaffirms its commitment in ensuring special needs assistance required to keep elevating the standards of teaching and learning continues through the various capacity building efforts in return to better cater for the children and youths with special learning needs in Seychelles.

Phase 3 of the course, consists primarily of School Based Experience whereby participants having followed two previous modules, conducted practical experience within the classroom context.  This involved research exercises in the classroom under the supervision of the tutor, test and applying of theoretical knowledge acquired through the programme to the classroom situation. Aside from the main School Based components, the special needs Teachers through lectures and forums also provided an ideal opportunity to engage in active reflection and discussion on the school based experience with peers, tutors and supervisors for support. 

The main objectives of the training are to raise the participants’ awareness and develop their understanding on the different types of disabilities, build the participants’ competence in developing effective Individual Education Plans (IEP) to cater for pupil’s individual needs according to their disabilities. The training is also set to focus on equipping the participants with knowledge and skills to develop appropriate teaching and learning resources as well as apply effective strategies for responding to diversity in the classrooms.

SEYPEC adopted the School for the Exceptional Child on 16 July 2015 as part of its activities to commemorate 30 years since its creation. Since then, the company has become a key partner of the school of which has so far assisted with numerous donations of education learning resources, Charity Fund Raising Project, specialist equipment and infrastructural works at the school premises in order to promote greater learning in a more conducive school environment.