Rotary Club of Grand Bay | At the Parish of Notre Dame de la Délivrance Church: Renovation...

In 1997, under the presidency of Albert Wong at the Rotary Club of Grand Baie, a dream became a reality. It was here, in 1996, in the courtyard of the Notre Dame de la Délivrande church, that the Past District Governor of Seychelles, Suketu Patel, laid the first stone of this pre-primary school, Les Choupettes, born from a simple but profound desire : offering the most disadvantaged children, regardless of religion or origin, access to quality education.

This project, costing around 1.5 million rupees, was made possible thanks to the commitment of numerous volunteers and partners. We remain grateful for the Rotary Club of Sacramento, the Rotarian and architect Gaëtan Siew, who generously offered his services, the Rotarian Ikbal Joonas who obtained sponsorship from the Club of Sacramento, the Rotary Foundation as well as for all those who contributed to this great adventure.

The Rotary Club of Grand Baie inaugurated the renovation of this school, twenty-nine years after its construction. This project aims to offer students and teachers a more modern environment that is more conducive to learning. Welcoming around twenty children, the establishment needed a new lease of life in order to improve teaching conditions and promote the well-being of its educational community.

This ceremony was also marked by the presence of one of the founding members of the Rotary Club of Grand Baie, François de Grivel, a privileged witness to the history of the club and its commitment to serving the community. Past President Albert Wong was also present to share this symbolic moment, illustrating the continuity of Rotary action and the club's attachment to its values of service.

This school is located in a place steeped in history. The church was consecrated in 1864 and inherits the hexagonal bell tower of a chapel built in 1848. Blessed Father Laval played a historic role in the village of Notre Dame by erecting the parish there and placing the church under the name of Notre Dame de la Délivrande. He was already doing remarkable work there with the most vulnerable. Even today, this spirit of service and solidarity continues to animate this parish.

We had the privilege of meeting Father Manuel, parish priest, as well as the members of the Factory, under the presidency of Franco Davis. We also met with emotion Maryline Sarah, the very first teacher of the school, who still continues her noble mission with children today.

Father Manuel, originally from Kochi, made education and training the true cornerstones of his parish. Convinced that idleness can expose young people to abuses, particularly drug consumption, i