Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Seychelles, the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade (MFNPT) allocates funds to all public entities, including the Ministry of Education, which oversees education budgets from primary to tertiary levels. The Ministry of Education makes significant investments to promote equitable learning for all students. The Department of Education Sector Development, guided by the Education (Amendment) Act 2017, is responsible for effective planning and budget management using Programme Performance-Based Budgeting (PPBB), linking funds to outcomes and focusing on special programmes. Additionally, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) oversees implementation, while schools manage their allocated budgets following established financial guidelines and regulations.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
There is no clearly defined mechanism for allocating education funding to subnational governments that explicitly takes equity into consideration.
2. Education resources to schools
The 2004 Education Act affirms the rights of children with disabilities to attend school and receive necessary academic support. The 2015 Inclusive Education Policy defines an “inclusive school” as one that provides differentiated learning opportunities tailored to each child’s needs. From January 2025, the government allocated resources in the 2024/2025 national budget to establish an Autism Centre within the Ministry of Education framework. This includes hiring specialists to work with children and providing capacity-building sessions for teachers and parents to enhance support.
3. Education resources to students and families
Student Support and Transportation Assistance Programmes
Since 2021, the Ministry of Education has provided a dedicated fund to support school-age children by supplying stationery, school uniforms, and other essentials. Eligible students’ parents must complete an application form each school year to access this support, and social workers or teachers can also apply on behalf of vulnerable students. Additionally, the Student Inter-Island Boat Ferry Scheme and the student bus fare scheme, previously managed by ASP, were transferred to the Ministry of Education in 2021. These transportation supports are offered to students from low-income families or subsidised for those living in remote or underserved areas.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
No evidence was found of social initiatives incorporating an education component that specifically transfer resources to disadvantaged students or households.
5. School meal programmes
School Meals Programme
The National School Nutrition Policy, established in 2008, reflects ongoing efforts to improve the nutritional well-being of all school children through school-based interventions. The school meals programme has been in place since the 1960s. While meals were provided free of charge until the 1990s, parents were subsequently asked to contribute; however, free meals continue to be provided to students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. In September 2022, the Ministry of Education introduced a free breakfast programme for registered primary and secondary students in public schools. Breakfast is provided to both primary and secondary students, with lunch offered to primary students only. This initiative, delivered through a partnership between the Seychelles Government and various organisations, seeks to enhance access to nutritious meals, support improved learning outcomes, and alleviate financial burdens on parents.
This profile was reviewed by Dr. Marina Confait, consultant.
