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27. The end of compulsory education is 15 years. This is specified in the Constitution by requiring the child to follow 10 years of schooling.
359. Education and the operation of schools in Seychelles is governed by the Education Act. Under this Act education is free to all students and is compulsory for all children up to the age of 16.
363. Primary education comprises six years of non fee-paying, compulsory education (P1-P6). It caters for children aged 5/6 years to 11/12 years.
364. Secondary education comprises four years of non fee-paying compulsory education (S1-S4). It caters for children aged 11/12 years to 15/16 years.
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| Minimum age of employment |
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482. The Seychelles Constitution recognizes the right of children and young persons to special protection in view of their immaturity and vulnerability. Article 31 protects children under the age of 15 years against economic exploitation and hazardous employment, subject to exceptions for children who are employed part time in light work prescribed by law, without harm to their health, morals or education.
483. The Employment Act goes even further. It is illegal under this statute to employ a child under the age of 15 years for any purpose whatsoever. It is illegal to employ any child between the ages of 15 and 16 for certain categories of hazardous work. The Constitution also provides for a higher minimum age of admission to employment with respect to occupations which the State regards as dangerous, unhealthy or likely to impair the normal development of a child. In addition, the Minister of Employment and Social Affairs is empowered under the statute to further limit the types of employment that are permissible for children between the ages of 15 and 16.
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| Minimum age for marriage |
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27. A child under the age of 18 requires parental consent in order to marry. In addition, no boy under the age of 18 years and no girl under the age of 15 may contract a civil marriage without the permission of a designated government official, currently the Minister (Civil Status Act, sect. 40). Furthermore, marriage of a girl between the age of 15 and 18 requires the consent of the parents.
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| Minimum age for criminal responsibility |
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27. Under the Penal Code a child aged 7 is incapable of committing a crime, and a child between the ages of 7 and 12 will only be criminally liable if he/she understands that what he/she is doing is wrong.
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