Snapshot Seychelles No. 4

19 February 2025

Every child can be a gardener. In the Seychelles, all schools are eco-schools. The Beau Vallon Primary School for example, won the Eco-School Award 2024.

Beate Ratter, an expert in climate adaptation, is currently on site and reports:
“Today I visited the eco-school and watched the schoolchildren watering plants, feeding animals and sweeping paths. These schools are a great project, they celebrated their 30th anniversary last year. All schools in the country are now eco-schools in which all students from primary to post-secondary are involved in gardening and outdoor activities together on a voluntary basis.

After their lessons, the students learn about native plants, and collaboratively grow cassava, bananas, breadfruit, avocado or lettuce, which they then sell to fund further activities. This initiative not only teaches them about traditional cultural practices but also instills a sense of responsibility—both for the giant tortoises and chickens residing at the school and for their fellow students. As Steven Constance, the eco-school leader from Beau Vallon, aptly puts it: “It's a holistic approach to sustainability.”