INTRODUCTION
The Eden Village Outreach Program is an initiative started by the residents of Eden Island to find a way to reach out to their neighbouring community of Roche Caiman. The aim of the programme is for Eden Island homeowners, Roche Caiman residents, pupils and appropriate authorities to work together in the “upliftment” of Roche Caiman. In order to ensure that the initiative’s objectives are in line with the community’s needs, Eden Village Outreach program is headed up by a steering committee comprising of representatives from the local schools, health and administration offices as well as homeowners and Jasper van der Westhuizen, General Manager of the Eden Island Village Management Association.
BACKGROUND
The Roche Caiman Estate, situated directly across the road from Eden Island, encompasses 700 homes with a population of approximately 3000 people. The housing estate was created in 1996, specifically for the re-housing of citizens from a number of disadvantaged areas. These residents were at that time considered underprivileged and as such were plagued by social ills, common in such situations. These difficulties are still in play today and concerns include those normally associated with such areas.
GOALS
- Improve security in the Roche Caiman area
- Work with Health Services to reduce teenage pregnancies from 12% of Seychelles total to 8% in next 3 years
- Reduce prostitution, abortion, drug usage and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Contribute towards the social 'upliftment' of the community
- Change the negative mind-set of all parties (internal and external)regarding the Roche Caiman area
SHORT TERM INITIATIVES
In keeping with the “grass roots” concept, the programme will initially focus on improving facilities at the schools in the area. The area is served by the Plaisance Crèche, Plaisance Primary School, School for the Exceptional Child (Children with disabilities) and Plaisance Secondary School, with approximately 2000 students enrolled in all four schools.
School projects:
- Improve visual impact of the Secondary School
- Purchase the ‘Oxford Reading Tree’ reading scheme for the Plaisance Primary School
- Install wheelchair ramps and safety fencing at the School for the Exceptional Child
- Appropriately equip the physiotherapy room for the School for the Exceptional Child
Other short term initiatives include the following:
- Work with the ASFF (Alliance of Solidarity For the Family) to set up a Youth Health Service Centre in Roche Caiman.
- Offer work opportunities at Eden Island to the Roche Caiman community before opening them to the wider community.
© 2009 Eden Village Outreach Program. Design - Erwin Burian Seychelles.