Around 200 people with disabilities from all districts of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue celebrated Valentine’s Day yesterday in a special meeting organized by the National Association of People with Disabilities held at the Roche Caiman District Administration.

This event saw the participation of five people with disabilities in each district and in the presence of members of the association, led by his third party, Jourdane Ernesta, and support groups in all districts, some members of the National Assembly including Honorable Desheila Bastienne, Audrey Vidot, Andy Labonte, Naddy Zialor and Richard Labrosse and the chief executive of the non-governmental organization (Ceps), Alvin Laurence.

According to Mrs. Ernesta, this activity resumed this year after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is one of the two major activities that the association does during the year after the International Day of People with Disabilities in early December.

Yesterday’s ceremony began with a blessing by Father David Alcindor, followed by a monetary donation for the Catholic Diocese, to see the repairs following the damage that happened to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last year.

It was the members of the association who gave the check to Per Alcindor.

He was also invited to light a pink candle, and observe two minutes of silence in memory of people with disabilities who died during the last two years.

There was also special applause for a person with disabilities who was presented with a new wheelchair offered by the association.

Those present who were celebrating their birthdays could also share a cake.

There is also a special message from all the honorable members and representatives of Ceps, to encourage those present to continue celebrating love, an important value, and wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day.

As a love egg, everyone who was present that had a rose, was asked to offer it to the one they love and appreciate in the room.

In a conversation with Seychelles NATION , Mrs. Ernesta emphasized the importance of celebrating love every day.

“Our message today is that we have love for people with disabilities and we need to accept our people as they are, and love them as we love our own bodies”.

This special Valentine’s day also included a special treat.

Our selection of portraits shows some of the strong moments of this activity.

Source: Seychelles Nation