The construction of La Digue School officially commenced today, with President Dr Patrick Herminie laying the foundation stone for the new educational facility on the island, highlighting the nation's continued commitment to strengthening education and investing in the future of its children.

The milestone ceremony brought together First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Mr David Pierre, Member of the National Assembly for the Inner Islands Hon. Rocky Uranie, and the school's headteacher, staff, and students.

The event was held as part of La Digue's 50th Independence Day celebrations under the theme, 'Investing in Education, Shaping the Nation.'

A commemorative plaque was also unveiled to mark the occasion.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the school’s headteacher, Ms Michel Madeleine, described the occasion as a historic milestone in the school’s history. She noted that since the first primary school was built on the site in 1961, the institution had served generations of students with dedication and pride. She added that the laying of the foundation stone did not simply mark the start of construction of a new building, but represented a new chapter of hope and possibility for education on La Digue.

The USD 10 million project, financed through a loan agreement signed with the Saudi Fund for Development in October 2023, will see La Digue School rebuilt with modern facilities, including a multi-purpose playground, an open-air amphitheatre, bicycle parking, and improved sewerage works. The project responds to long-standing calls from the community for the renewal of a school compound that includes structures dating back some 60 years.

La Digue School is the only institution in Seychelles where both primary and secondary levels share a single compound, currently serving more than 500 students. The project is being carried out in phases, beginning with the secondary school, whose students relocated to a new compound in March 2026, enabling reconstruction work to proceed without disrupting learning.

The reconstruction reflects President Herminie’s broader commitment to ensuring that every island, regardless of size or population, benefits equally from national development. Every child on every island deserves a school built for their future — balanced development across the islands is not merely a promise, but policy already in action.