(Seychelles News Agency) - Educating school children and young adults on the subject of corruption on the Seychelles’ three main islands is the aim of a joint project between Transparency Initiative Seychelles (TIS) and the Anti-Corruption Commission Seychelles (ACCS).

To launch the European Union-funded project the two entities signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday.

Teaching scholars and pupils on corruption will help improve good governance, transparency and accountability in the 115 island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean said Marjaana Sall, the ambassador of the European Union to Seychelles.

Transparency Initiative Seychelles is a non-governmental organisation which forms part of the global entity Transparency International. While the Anti-Corruption Commission Seychelles, formed in 2016, is a self-governing, neutral and independent body established to fight corruption in the country.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by May de Silva, the chief executive of the Anti-Corruption Commission and Chrystold Chetty, the chairperson of the TIS.

“If we want a corruption-free society, we need to start integrating good values in the youth, today. We are targeting not only state schools but private ones as well, as when they will start working, they will end up mingling,” said Denis Joubert, the prevention and education manager at the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The $365,000 project is starting with students of the School of Advanced Levels, University of Seychelles, Seychelles Institute of Arts and Design and Seychelles Business Studies Academy on Thursday April 26.

Other than educating students and pupils, key activities under the project consist of revising the existing Anti-Corruption Act, reinforcing the capacity of the Transparency Initiatives Seychelles and to improve the latter’s advocacy through technical assistance and equipment.

“The programme will focus on nation-wide awareness campaigns on anti-corruption to sensitise people about the issue of which the outreach programme to school children is an important component,” said Sall. 

The aim of the project is to sensitise, promote and educate the citizens of Seychelles on issues of governance, accountability and corruption in four important sectors of the economy - financial sector, fisheries, construction and tourism.

Sall added that this project is a good example of the support by the European Union provided to Seychelles and “how the civil society and the government can work hand in hand for the good of the country.”

In her speech, Sall outlined that corruption remains one of the biggest challenges for all societies and that many countries around the world suffer from corruption which is hampering economic development, undermining democracy and damaging social justice.

She further added that “the fight against corruption is the fight for a better business enabling environment and democratic society. The EU and its member states are engaged in the promotion of universal values of democracy and good governance.”

Chetty said that though they received funding for the 24-month long project, fast progress is being made.

“We have our office now operational, we have recruited staff. We have welcomed this programme with ACCS and we are going to start implementing from tomorrow (Thursday) onwards,” he said.