“Today,March 1, 2022,marks 10 years since the Agency for Social Protection became operational. For the last ten years, the agency has played an important role in the lives of citizens of Seychelles through financial assistance, permitting those in need to enjoy a decent quality of life. Now more than ever, the agency’s role is crucial as it not only provides assistance but it is standing true to its motto, which is:‘Empowering you to empower yourself’.
“The agency recognises that some of its beneficiaries will necessitate long-term assistance, however it also sees the true values and potential of each of its beneficiary. In the spirit of the occasion’s theme, the agency now takes the role of accompanying its beneficiaries, doing its utmost to empower them to become self-sufficient that will benefit them for the longer-term rather than short-termsquick fixes that encourage dependency. Through this empowerment, the agency upholds the dignity of individuals to help them see the significance of their own efforts in rising above their social misfortunes.
“Very recently, the agency has seen an improvement in the number of beneficiaries on long-term welfare beingunemployed and depending on social benefits who instead have turned their life around and are now productive individuals.In addition, the agency took a bold stance to stop manual payments of benefits and as a result, 99.9% of beneficiaries now collect their benefits/ assistance through bank accounts, which also helps them to better manage their funds. As the Agency for Social Protection (ASP) celebrates its 10th year, it is more than ever ambitious in its objectives, with plans to have systems that are fully automated and easily accessible to its service users.
“These achievements would have not been possible without the devotion and commitment of each of the staff at ASP. Today, I stand proud and want to congratulate each one of them for their achievement and for their undivided commitment throughout these 10 years. I have seen you grow during my tenure and I do not doubt the passion and devotion that you display while handling your responsibilities. Happy 10th anniversary! I also take this opportunity to assure the beneficiaries of ASP and the population of the government’s commitment towards social protection in our country.
“Thank you”
Source: Seychelles Nation
