Promoting peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution strategies in primary and secondary schools in Seychelles

Aim

The aim of this project is to foster a safe, inclusive educational environment in Seychelles’ primary and secondary schools. The project equips educators and students with practical conflict resolution strategies, promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence.

Objectives

1. To develop an age-appropriate conflict resolution handbook for primary and secondary schools.
2. To provide a comprehensive teacher training on conflict resolution techniques.

• To establish student-led initiatives to promote dialogue, empathy and peaceful coexistence.

Project dates

January 2025 – December 2025

Project funding

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Project team

• Project lead – Diana Benoit
• Principal investigator – Ryan Adeline

Collaborating partners

• Anse Royale Primary School
• Anse Royale Secondary School
• Mont Fleuri Primary School
• Mont Fleuri Secondary School

Examining factors influencing recidivism in Seychelles

Aim

To understand the underlying factors contributing to recidivism in Seychelles.

Objectives

1. To identify and analyse economic factors contributing to recidivism.
2. To examine the impact of social factors on recidivism rates within the Seychelles prison population.

• • To investigate psychological factors that influence the likelihood of individuals reoffending.

1. To provide actionable recommendations based on research findings to mitigate recidivism in Seychelles.

Project dates

June 2024 – ongoing

Project funding

Seychelles Prison Service

Project team

• Project lead – Diana Benoit
• Principal investigator – Georges Nicette
• Co-investigator – Ryan Adeline
• Co-investigator – Priscilla Moyo

Empowering the University of Seychelles staff to become peacebuilders by transforming conflict and building positive peace

Aim

To empower staff at the University of Seychelles (UniSey) to become peacebuilders by understanding how to transform conflict and building positive peace.

Objectives

1. To develop a peacebuilding guide for staff to use at the university;
2. To equip the university staff with peacebuilding tools and motivate them to become peacebuilders; and

• To design an education and awareness plan for university staff and students.

Project dates

December 2022 – ongoing

Project funding

Commonwealth Peace and Reconciliation Network Grants from the Association of Commonwealth Universities

Project team

Principal investigator – Diana Benoit

Breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma: Psychosocial healing and reconciliation in Seychelles

Aim

To explore ways in which the cycle of intergenerational transmission of trauma can be mitigated in Seychellois families as a result of the 1977 coup and its aftermath.

 Objectives

1. To explore the processes of intergenerational trauma on the victims of human rights abuse in Seychelles following the 1977 coup;
2. To explore their consequences on the victim’s children;

• • To explore the nexus of intergenerational trauma and ongoing violence in the families;

1. Based on the exploration, to plan and implement an intervention to address the cycle of transmission; and
2. To evaluate the short-term outcome by studying the possible changes experienced by the participants and to identify the general findings.

Project dates

February 2022 – ongoing

Project funding

Durban University of Technology – South Africa

Project team

Principal investigator – Diana Benoit