Training

The government has invested heavily in education in Seychelles. Virtually all children attend school and almost all residents are literate.

Most children go to preschool for a couple of years before starting at the age of six, the ten-year elementary school, which is free of charge and compulsory. There are plenty of teachers and the classes are small. The language of instruction is English.

• COUNTRYAAH: Country facts of Seychelles, including geography profile, population statistics, and business data.

About eight out of ten pupils advance to a five-year higher stage (four of which are compulsory). Slightly more girls than boys go to school.

Previously, anyone who wanted to study at a college must travel abroad, but in 2009 Seychelles University was established with courses in business economics and information technology. Many Seychelles are still studying in the UK.

• Educationvv: Provides school and education information in Seychelles, covering middle school, high school and college education.

FACTS – EDUCATION

Proportion of children starting primary school

95.5 percent (2005)

Number of pupils per teacher in primary school

14 (2016)

Reading and writing skills

94.0 percent (2010)

Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP

11.7 percent (2016)

Public expenditure on education as a percentage of the state budget

11.7 percent (2016)

2015

December

Michel barely wins in the presidential election

December 19

In it, Michel wins with 50.25 percent of the vote, against 49.85 percent for Ramkalawan. Only 193 votes separate them. The opposition candidate claims that irregularities have occurred and requires all votes to be recalculated. The President of the Election Commission urges citizens to respect results. “Election is high, 87 percent.

Other rounds of elections are required in the presidential election

December 6

Presidential elections will be held December 3-5. James Michel receives almost 48 percent of the vote, against just under 34 percent for Wavel Ramkalawan and Patrick Pillay, who received just over 14 percent. However, this means that there will be a second round of elections between Michel and Ramkalawan on December 16-18.

November

Call for climate cooperation

President Michel urges the world’s small island states to work together to combat climate change.

June

New African Free Trade Agreement

The Seychelles and 25 other countries agree on a new free trade agreement, the Tripartite Free Trade Area, which covers most of Africa between Egypt in the north and South Africa in the south. However, before the agreement can come into force, negotiations are required and the agreement is approved by the parliaments of the countries.