Did you know that despite Mauritius being known for its pristine white sand beaches and vibrant culture, there exists a contrast in the form of disadvantaged groups who face social and economic challenges daily?

My name is Caroline and I consider myself profoundly fortunate to be loved by my family, and friends; to have a shelter over my head; to have never endured hunger nor the worries of tomorrow. I am also grateful to the Loreto schools where I have been, which facilitated my engagement in activities to help others who did not have the same chances as I had.

In fact, over the past 15 years, I have been part of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and witnessed the struggles that some people had to endure. And yet, as I reflect on these experiences, I cannot help but question the true extent of our impact. Though we managed to bring temporary smiles to the faces of those we reached, we regrettably fell short of equipping them with the means to stand on their own feet.

Despite the fact that the Mauritian government has made efforts to address these challenges through social welfare programs and policies, the scope and impact of these initiatives remain limited. As a result, there is a growing recognition of the need for additional support from NGOs, community groups, and individual volunteers to complement and enhance existing efforts to support vulnerable populations in Mauritius.

In the light of these circumstances, I personally believe that sustainable volunteerism (from individuals to corporates and organisations) could make a much meaningful difference in the lives of those in need, provided that we commit to long-term engagement, setting its sights on the creation of enduring, positive change. We could create a framework that would address areas of concern including education (with the aim of reducing illiteracy, providing education support…), protection (assailing exploitation, abuse, marginalisation, and bolstering financial security…), empowerment (as the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”), well-being (living with others, respect each other) and healthcare (prioritising nutrition and hygiene, amongst other vital aspects).

In fact, I would like to invite you to join me in making a positive impact and committing, within the next eight months, to participate in any of the following actions?

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSILBILITY

Let us minimise our ecological footprint by conscientiously recycling any office products such as paper, batteries, toners, equipment and furniture.

GENDER EQUALITY

Together, how about we champion gender equality and empower women to rise in all areas of society?

GARDEN COMMUNITY

Unite with your colleagues in creating a community garden, where we can share the wisdom of sustainable farming techniques, ensuring the bountiful growth of our own food to be shared amongst all.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

What if we organise events dedicated to teaching practical skills, such as computer literacy, financial literacy, or vocational training, thereby equipping vulnerable individuals with invaluable tools for self-improvement?

Together, let’s act and make a difference!