Seychelles Minister of Education Justin Valentin recently launched the “Active Learning Adventures” initiative, a groundbreaking event focused on engaging children with special educational needs in creative, hands-on activities outside the classroom. Held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, the programme aimed to foster inclusion, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through collaborative outdoor games. This event highlights the Ministry’s commitment to holistic development and equal opportunities for all learners.
The Seychelles Minister of Education, Justin Davis Valentin, spearheads an initiative emphasising holistic learning for all children, particularly those with special educational needs. In collaboration with the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, on August 3rd, 2024, the Ministry of Education organised an event titled “Active Learning Adventures.” This day-long program, which brought together students from various state primary schools, marks a pivotal step toward inclusive education. It showcases the Ministry’s commitment to fostering the holistic development of every child, regardless of their academic prowess.
The event aimed to create an enriching environment for students who may not excel in conventional academic settings but have talents in other domains. Minister Valentin explained, “What we’re doing today is an initiative that stemmed from conversations with one of our Special Education Coordinators. Since taking office, I’ve spent much time with secondary school students, but I wanted to do something special for primary students. This event is about connecting people—students and coordinators—and bringing learning outside the classroom context.”
A New Approach to Learning
“Active Learning Adventures” is not just an ordinary school day outside the classroom; it is a transformative experience for students from different schools to engage in outdoor games that stimulate creative thinking, problem-solving, and critical reflection. It also aims to foster a sense of inclusion and break down the stigma often associated with learning differences.
Minister Valentin elaborated on the event’s objectives: “For too long, we’ve confined learning within the walls of a classroom. This time, I wanted to do something different. I wanted the coordinators to learn from each other and, perhaps, recreate the same experience in their schools. This initiative exposes students to various experiences that contribute to their holistic development—academic, cultural, and sporting activities.”
The program targeted 150 students from P4 to P6 across Seychelles’ primary schools, ensuring an equal gender balance by including three boys and three girls from each school. The school’s Special Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) were pivotal in organising and overseeing the event. “The biggest challenge we faced was selecting which students would attend,” Minister Valentin said with a light-hearted tone. “At one stage, they wanted to include the very young ones, but we decided to start with the older students—P4, P5, and P6—because this was our first event, and we wanted to be more cautious with the planning.”
Breaking Barriers with Inclusion
The event underscored the Ministry’s commitment to fostering student inclusion and collaboration. Through group activities, students had the chance to interact with peers from different schools, providing opportunities for teamwork and social development. One of the core objectives of the event was to encourage creativity and problem-solving in a supportive environment. By forming mixed groups of students from different schools, the Ministry clarified that this event was not about competition but collaboration.
Valentin emphasised, “The overall message is that learning doesn’t have to happen inside a classroom. Life happens outside of school, and students should learn to connect what is taught in school with the realities of life. This event teaches problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration in real-world contexts.”
A Unique Learning Adventure
The children were allowed to engage in various activities and treated to a unique dining experience at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort. For many students, this was their first experience being served lunch in a formal restaurant using proper silverware. Minister Valentin admired the students’ behaviour and eagerness to participate: “I must say the kids behaved excellently. They fully embraced the experience, and it was heartwarming to see them interact with each other in such a new and different environment.”
Looking Forward: Replicating Success
As part of his vision, Minister Valentin hopes that the success of the Active Learning Adventures event will inspire similar initiatives in schools across the country. “My goal is to see this kind of activity replicated in schools. I believe in networking and the concept of borrowing ideas in education. If this event helps teachers and coordinators take away good practices that can be implemented in their schools, then we’ve achieved something significant.”
For the students, the day was not about winning prizes but about the experience. “We didn’t want this to be a competition where the focus is on winning. It’s more about learning and solving problems together, which sometimes you do for your satisfaction rather than an external reward,” the Minister explained. “We want children to embrace learning as an adventure and to be confident in unfamiliar situations—a skill they will carry with them throughout their lives.”
Strengthening the Public-Private Partnership
The success of the “Active Learning Adventures” event highlights the importance of strong public-private partnerships, with the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort playing a crucial role in supporting the initiative. Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education, this collaboration reflects a broader movement in Seychelles, where hotels have been actively involved in educational activities. Minister Justin Davis Valentin emphasised the value of this partnership, noting, “The beauty of today is the perfect match between the private sector and the public agenda. Since 2022, hotels have adopted schools, fostering a closer relationship between the education and hospitality sectors.” Valentin hopes to formalise these partnerships through a memorandum of understanding, ensuring continued collaboration to create meaningful student experiences.
As the day concluded, the students left with new experiences, memories, and perhaps a better understanding of the future. Valentin hopes this event has inspired students and demonstrated the value of creative, holistic learning approaches to teachers and coordinators. “This is just the beginning. We have more to do, but with initiatives like this, I believe we’re on the right path.”
The “Active Learning Adventures” program is a testament to Seychelles’ commitment to inclusive education, where every child can thrive, regardless of their academic orientation. Through Minister Justin Valentin’s vision, the Ministry of Education is breaking down barriers and ensuring that all students, including those with special needs, can take part in the adventure of learning.
