June 11, 2010 -- The First Lady, Mrs Natalie Michel, yesterday at State House presented the first edition of an educational and fun magazine being produced for children.  Mrs Michel, who is the chairperson of the Children's Homes Foundation, also launched a competition for children to submit poems, songs, stories and games to the magazine.

The magazine is named Jojo & Friends.

In her opening remarks Mrs Michel, who initiated the project, said parents need to spend quality time with their children, and the book will surely be a way to do that.

She said the book is full of adventures, not only for children to enjoy and for the reading pleasure of the whole family.

Mrs Michel said that thanks to generous sponsors, it will be possible to sell the magazine at an affordable price of R10. She thanked all those who have been involved in one way or another in its production.

The First Lady presented a copy of the magazine and a poster with information about the competition to Education Minister Bernard Shamlaye.
Schoolchildren then distributed copies to the  guests.

Jojo & Friends, edited by Mrs Noella Gontier, the chief executive of the Children's Homes Foundation, has games, stories, recipes, health tips and other useful information in Creole, English and French. It will be published every school term and will be on sale in all schools. Extra copies will be available in school libraries.

Children travelling on Air Seychelles will also receive copies in the kids' pack.

The book's main character, Jojo the kato, is a traveler who has been to many places. He is cool and has a habit of talking too much. Jojo loves to learn and explore. His best friends are Oscar, Marslen and Tipol.