Seychelles Family-Life-promotion activities until 1984 -- The first stage of NFP development began in 1971 with the arrival of a Swiss couple trained by the Doctors Guy. Two Seychellian nurses at the Ministry of Health along with Father Herve Roduit and Dr. Ferrari took steps to inform several parishes of the role and goals of I'Action Familiale (Family Action). The primary goal was to offer to the Catholic population a natural method of family planning. At the end of 1972, 26 persons had received their NFP teachers' certificates from L'Action Familiale. The second stage occurred when a second Swiss couple took over the earlier work in NFP, primarily training teachers and conducting in-home follow-up visits of couples using the temperature method of NFP. The teachers would gather users from different parishes for information sessions on NFP and family life education. The preparation of a sex education program for youth was also undertaken. At the permanent center of l'Action Familiale, a room was especially prepared to permit free medical consultation for women having difficulty practicing NFP. Postpartum visits for information and education on NFP were also initiated as an outreach effort in various delivery centers. The third stage began in 1975 with the departure of the Swiss couple. The movement was now entirely the responsibility of Seychellian staff. In spite of repeated ef-forts to train teachers, many left I'Action Familiale because of the difficulty of obtaining permanent work within the l'Action Familiale system. To compensate for this loss, Mrs. Glora Gresle, a remarkably talented NFP teacher in southern Mahe, was employed on a half- time basis. During 1977 I'Action Familiale received a first international aid grant of US$3,000 from UNFPA, but the Ministry of Health then withdrew one of its delegated nurses. Fortunately, a teacher from the Ministry of Education obtained a two-year leave of absence to work with l'Action Familiale and visited Mauritius for continued education. A fourth period began with the government's new five-year health plan. L'Action Familiale succeeded in participating in the discussions and presented its own five-year plan, but its recommendations were not adopted. Toward the end of 1980 it was decided to concentrate on natural family planning (both the ovulation and sympto-thermal methods) and to promote this work with the Ministry. In 1981 a small pamphlet in Creole on feminine reproductive physiology and fertility parameters was published. The high point of 1981 was the national NFP seminar, conducted over five evenings and arranged by the National I'Action Familiale Committee with the contribution of Drs. Michele and Francois Guy. At the beginning of 1982, a general study day was arranged with all the clergy of the Seychelles. During the year I'Action Familiale, in addition to its specialization in NFP, attempted to integrate itself with the national program on "Family Planning, Family Life Education, and Youth," with some success. The organization continues to participate in the preparatory meetings for the five-year health plan (1983-88), but its activities have become more and more difficult. Only the permanent center of Mont Fleuri is open for daily visits from new acceptors, follow-up visits from users, or inquiries from those who want to receive information on NFP. We are actively awaiting a brighter and more promising future.