Behind the beaches and luxury resorts, many children face silent struggles — from neglect and abuse to rising inequality. Meet the community-led efforts giving island youth a voice and a chance.
Though often seen as a tourist haven, Seychelles faces serious challenges for children and youth, especially in low-income communities. Rapid development and social inequality have left many families struggling to keep children healthy, safe, and in school. These are the three most urgent challenges:
Alcohol abuse, unemployment, and poverty have led to rising cases of child neglect. Many children lack strong emotional support at home and grow up feeling isolated or unprotected.
Teen drug use and mental health issues have been on the rise, especially on Mahé island. Access to counseling is limited, and stigma often prevents early support.
Physical and sexual abuse cases have increased, but Seychelles lacks enough trained child psychologists, legal advocates, or safe shelters for survivors.
Despite these challenges, Uganda’s children remain full of hope — dreaming of education, health, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.
At iam4allkids.org, we spotlight the children growing up in the margins of a tourist economy. We support the people who are building safe spaces, advocating for protection, and reminding every child they are more than their silence.
We:
Share stories of healing from emotional neglect, abuse, and addiction
Support nonprofits offering counseling, legal help, and after-school care
Advocate for early mental health care and stronger child protection systems
Even in paradise, children need more than scenery. They need safety, support, and someone who listens.
Seychelles has beauty — but not all children grow up with peace.
Reports of abuse and neglect have been rising, especially in urban settlements
Mental health services for children and teens are limited and often hard to access
Many youth feel unseen in a country focused on tourism and wealth
We believe every child deserves to be heard and cared for, no matter the setting.
Even where the world sees only beauty, resilience grows:
In small counseling rooms, children are finally speaking about what hurt them
In after-school centers, teens are drawing, dancing, and learning how to cope
In neighborhoods long ignored, parents are gathering to learn how to support their kids
And because of your support, these quiet stories are coming to light
In Seychelles, healing doesn’t come from the sea — it comes from being seen.
CEPS (Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles) supports children and teens dealing with emotional neglect, abuse, or school dropout. Their youth division offers mentorship, life skills, and trauma-informed care through partnerships with teachers and social workers.
The program helps teens reconnect with school, find support groups, and learn how to advocate for themselves.
At CEPS, children learn that support is something they deserve.
UNISEC works under the Ministry of Family Affairs to identify abuse cases, intervene early, and support children and families in crisis. Their team provides legal protection, temporary housing, and counseling referrals.
They also hold parenting workshops in vulnerable neighborhoods to help prevent abuse before it begins.
UNISEC makes sure no child has to face harm alone.
In 2023, CEPS held a series of community family dialogues in central Mahé. Parents, caregivers, and youth gathered in churches and community halls to talk about parenting challenges, discipline, and communication.
Facilitators used storytelling, group games, and anonymous testimony to build empathy and new tools.
For many families, it was the first time they felt heard — together.
In early 2024, UNISEC coordinated the Safe Start Awareness Week across all three main islands. With school assemblies, radio shows, and street art, the campaign focused on child safety, early trauma signs, and where to go for help.
Teens led panel discussions, and survivors shared their journeys through art and poetry.
The campaign didn’t just inform — it inspired action and connection.
Meet the organizations working to protect children’s well-being beyond the picture-perfect image:
Offering mentorship, counseling, and advocacy for youth dealing with emotional neglect and risk.
Supporting survivors of abuse with legal aid, family care, and child-centered protection services.
Advocating for stronger child rights laws and access to justice for young people.
Promoting education on child rights and running outreach for vulnerable families.
Providing shelter and long-term care for children without family support.
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