About NARS
Empowering nurses, strengthening healthcare.
The Nurses Association of the Republic of Seychelles has been the voice of nurses and midwives since 1976.
The Nurses Association of the Republic of Seychelles (NARS) was founded in 1976 by a group of nurses and nurse leaders who felt the need to have a voice for nurses by nurses.
In the initial stage, such an idea was not so welcoming by some nurses in influential positions. They failed to understand how an association would promote growth and change in the nursing profession. The establishment of the NARS was seen as a threat to the status quo.
However, such opposition did not deter the motivation of the nurses who initiated the idea. They continued relentlessly in their task of forming the association to improve the quality of healthcare in Seychelles. Nurses from various fields of nursing were consulted in the creation of NARS.
After the initial meeting of the founding members, the constitution of NARS was drafted. NARS was registered on 31st May 1977, with the late Mrs Jeanette Samson as the first President. The organization continues to this day.
Our mission
An influential, professional, relevant and impactful association for pre-service and in-service nurses and midwives of Seychelles.
Our vision
Run by nurses for nurses and by midwives for midwives, relevant and impactful for the profession and for Seychellois society, to ensure quality care.
Milestones
Fifty years of speaking for the profession.
- 1976
A voice for nurses, by nurses
A group of nurses and nurse leaders set out to form an association, despite opposition from some in influential positions.
- 1977
Registered on 31 May
The constitution is drafted after consulting nurses from every field. The late Mrs Jeanette Samson becomes the first President.
- 1985
A seat at the regulator’s table
The Nurses and Midwives Act gives a representative of NARS a place on the national nursing council.
- 2018
A home for the association
NARS opens offices on 16 July. Today the association is based at St Claire Building, Victoria.
- 2022
Commonwealth Foundation partnership
A grant to make the association more resilient, with training and a drive to recruit volunteers.
- 2025
Advocacy at home and across Africa
A two-day Policy and Advocacy Skills workshop in February, and Seychellois nurses at the African Nurses and Midwives Confederation conference in Ghana in March.
- 2026
Conferences for today’s and tomorrow’s nurses
The second scientific nurses and midwives conference with the Ministry of Health in May, and the Nursing Aspiring Clubs conference for secondary students in October.
Partners
Part of a wider nursing family.
International Council of Nurses
The global federation of national nurses associations. NARS has taken part in its programme to strengthen nursing associations in Africa.
Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation
Seychelles is a member. With the Ministry of Health, NARS and the federation have run leadership and patient safety workshops.
Commonwealth Foundation
A grant partner since 2022, supporting the association’s resilience and the Policy and Advocacy Skills workshop of February 2025.
Stand with the nurses and midwives of Seychelles.
Join the association, give your time, or share your expertise with our members.