On Wednesday 16th August 2023, during a meeting at the Holy Spirit Parish in Persévérance organised by the Centre d’Accueil de la Rosière (CAR), a residential detoxification and rehabilitation programme for addicts was presented to the diocese by Bishop Emeritus of Porto Nacional, Brazil, Romualdo Kujawski and founder of the Fazenda da Esperanza, (Farm of Hope / Ferme de l’Espoir) in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Tomasz Grysa.
The proposal
Bishop Harel spoke to the CAR committee of this proposal as he was concerned by the cries of mothers who wanted to find some kind of recovery programme for their children. CAR had similar objectives but had manpower challenges. A Steering committee was set up with members from different backgrounds to help put together a project proposal to present to the government.
This proposal was welcomed by the MOH especially the Division for Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment & Rehabilitation (DSAPTR) who saw this as another step in assisting those who wish to recover and to change their lives from addiction. The Cabinet approved the project and under the 2025 budget they agreed on a contribution of SR 4.1m to assist in the renovation of two unfinished buildings on the site chosen at Port Glaud, a piece of land belonging to the Diocese of Port-Victoria.
In January 2025, work started on the buildings. One to be the centre and the other for the staff. The staff are missionaries who will deliver the programme around 3 pillars, – community life, spirituality and work.
The inauguration
The inauguration was held in the afternoon of 26th July, to coincide with the CEDOI, the Episcopal Conference of the Islands of the Indian Ocean. The plaque was unveiled by the president of republic Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, the president of the Fazenda da Esperanza international, Father Louis de Menezes and bishop Alain Harel. The ceremony was attended by the Cardinal Maurice Piat, the founder of the Fazanda da Esperanza – Bishop Emeritus Romualdo Kujawski, bishops of the CEDOI, ministers, sponsors and committee members.
During the ceremony, SEYPEC donated a Mazda twin cab bought at a discounted price from Excel Motors. During the ceremony Minister Patricia Francourt spoke about the fact that addiction was not a crime but a chronic brain disease. She praised the centre for providing a safe space for healing both body and spirit and she appealed to families to stand behind their loved ones on the road to recovery. There was a short but powerful testimony, from a recovered addict, which touched everyone present. In his address President Ramkalawan stated, “With ‘La Ferme de l’Espoir’, we plant a seed of hope. Together, we can nurture it to heal and rebuild.”
The secretary of the committee and MC Ms Dinaz Van der Lans thanked all stakeholders who have been ready to help either in kind (such as beds, mattresses, tables, chairs bedsheets, water tank, solar panels), and cash big or small. All will be of good use and is much appreciated. The Fazenda da Esperanza Seychelles will need the support of all the community to enable it to sustain its operations and is convinced that this help will come voluntarily and by those who believe in this cause and its success.
The programme
The Fazenda da Esperanza is a therapeutic centre for those who wish to recover from addiction. To be enrolled the interns, as they are called, will need to be assessed by DSAPTR first to help them off methadone, and undergo a series of medical tests and an interview. The interns must be personally willing to be in this programme.
It is a programme of 12 months and they will need to agree to the rules set. The centre can take up to 18 interns and will be manned by 3 missionaries / volunteers and will be joined by 2 others in the near future.
Future plans
After the inauguration, mid August the Contractor will hand over the project after the occupancy certificate is completed. Recruitment of the first batch of 8 interns are ongoing with collaboration with DSAPTR and will join the centre early September. CAR – Centre Accueil de La Rosière and the La Ferme de l’Espoir (LFDL) Association will continue to provide assistance and work with the candidates’ support persons.
A multipurpose court and the preparation of land and infrastructure for the farm will be undertaken with relevant stakeholders ready to help. The centre will engage with the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs, as well as family members, to empower the families and interns to be ready for a smooth and positive reintegration into the world of work and community.
