Seychelles has initiated a comprehensive puberty education programme targeting young girls to foster knowledge, reduce stigma, and address teenage pregnancy and sexual health concerns, with plans to expand nationwide.
Seychelles has launched a new puberty education scheme aimed at helping girls move through adolescence with more knowledge and support, as the first phase of the “Welcome to Puberty” initiative got under way at the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education auditorium in Victoria. The programme began with 49 Secondary One pupils from English River Secondary School and is expected to expand to about 600 girls nationwide.
The initiative is being run jointly by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, and the Ministry of Health. Each girl received a puberty pack with learning material and practical resources designed to answer questions that often go unspoken at home and in school.
First Lady Veronique Herminie told the students that the bodily, emotional and social changes linked to puberty are natural and should not be treated with embarrassment or fear. According to Seychelles News Agency, the programme was framed not only as health education but also as a response to teenage pregnancy, sexual health risks and abuse.
Education Minister David Pierre also urged the students to recognise their own worth and to make careful decisions that protect their dignity and rights. The launch included a poem and a song from the girls themselves, while a young teacher shared how pregnancy at 15 nearly disrupted her education before she rebuilt her path and later pursued a career in teaching.
Officials say the broader aim is to reduce stigma around puberty and give Seychellois girls guidance at a stage when misinformation can have lasting consequences. The new effort follows other youth-focused projects led by Herminie, including a recent Boys Connect initiative for boys, suggesting a wider push to strengthen resilience, confidence and life skills among young people.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
