August, 2015

5 September: International Day of Charity

Charity contributes to the promotion of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding ‎among people.‎ Poverty persists in all countries of the world, ‎regardless of their economic, social and cultural situation, particularly in developing countries.

In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human ‎suffering within and among nations, as well as of the efforts of charitable organisations ‎and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the ‎United Nations in its resolution A/RES/67/105 designated the 5th of September, the ‎anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity.‎

On this International Day of Charity, the United Nations invites all Member States and all international and regional organisations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organisations and individuals, to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.

Background

Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.

The International Day of Charity was established with the objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.

The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.”

Mother Teresa, the renowned nun and missionary, was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910. In 1928 she went to India, where she devoted herself to helping the destitute. In 1948 she became an Indian citizen and founded the order of Missionaries of Charity in Kolkota (Calcutta) in 1950, which became noted for its work among the poor and the dying in that city.

For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first in India and then in other countries, including hospices and homes for the poorest and homeless. Mother Teresa’s work has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world and she has received a number of awards and distinctions, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Mother Teresa died on September 5th 1997, at 87 years of age.

REPORT: YUVA Dialogue 2015

Report of discussions held at the YUVA Dialogue 2015, prepared by YUVA Programme Coordinator Sandhya Gowrisunkur.

The 2015 International Youth Day theme is Youth Civic Engagement. Youth Civic Engagement, a main goal of the United Nations System-Wide Action Plan on Youth (Youth-SWAP), seeks to promote young people’s effective inclusive civic engagement at all levels. There has been recent increasing attention and policy and programming focus on youth civic engagement by governments, UN entities, regional and multilateral organisations, CSOs, youth and researchers. The engagement and participation of youth is essential to achieve sustainable human development. Yet often the opportunities for youth to engage politically, economically and socially are low or non-existent.

More efforts are needed to raise awareness about the importance of youth civic engagement and its benefits to the individual and to society, including for sustainable development as well as resilience and wellbeing. The International Youth Day 2015 campaign aims at promoting civic engagement and participation of youth in politics and public life, so that young people can be empowered and bring a full contribution to society, development and peace.

In line with the above and to commemorate the International Youth Day, on 12 August 2015, YUVA organised an event to the YUVA Dialogue 2015, which was held at the Council Hall of the Municipality of Port Louis at 13:00hrs, which went on till 16:00 hrs. YUVA had invited YUVANs, school and university students, members of local NGOs as well as the public and the press to debate on the topic, “Enhancing Youth-Elder Alliance in Governance in Mauritius”.

The event that consisted of two inter-active panels, showcased inspiring ways in which young people engage in civic, political and social spheres and explored how the issue of youth civic engagement is an enabler for an enhanced and inclusive participation of young women and men in decision-making and public life. We have had the active participation of Honourable Jayeshwar Raj Dayal, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management of Mauritius; Dr Nutan Pandey, Second Secretary (Education and Language) at the High Commission of India (Mauritius); Mrs Thea Candice Bonnefin, Project Facilitator at the Decentralised Cooperation Programme (DCP); Dr Sharmila Seetulsingh-Goorah, Director of the University of Technology Mauritius (UTM); Miss Anjuli Ramdour, Management Support Officer at the National Human Rights Commission & Miss Jennyfer Beeharry, Trainee under the Service to Mauritius (STM) at the National Human Rights Commission; Dr J. Jhurry, former advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office; Representatives from the Ministry of Social Security as well as from different NGOs like the Mauritius Heart Foundation and PILS amongst others; Students from various secondary schools and from the University of Mauritius.

Youth constitute the majority of the population on the African continent. This forum explored the convergence of traditional (Mauritian Tradition) and modern ways of social engagement in political governance interactions. It discussed the imperative for youth participation in governance, as well as the challenges and opportunities for dialogue between youth and elders in governance systems. It also discussed cultural norms that have prevented the development of collaboration between youth and elders, as well as the consequences of constricted relationships, for example the entrenchment of elders as leaders.

The following major points were debated on:

The imperative for youth-elder collaboration in governance;
Eldership as leadership;
Inhibited communication;
Social Media and Political Expression;
Setback and frustration in governance.

The participants were given an agenda that provided them with facts and figures as well as a quote based on which the debate was held. The floor was set open by Mr Krishna Athal, the National President of YUVA, with no lectern or language as barrier to communication while encouraging everyone to interact during the dialogue by taking note of the kit that was given to each person.

Contents of the agenda were as follows:

1. The imperative for youth-elder collaboration in governance

“What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets, inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?” — Plato, 4th Century BC (Guardian, 2009)

A 2012 study of youth across Africa published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and cross-checked by the Africa Governance Institute (Africa Governance Institute) captures a range of African youth perspectives on governance;

56% of African youth are interested in current affairs. Urban youth have a higher level of interest than rural youth.
Less than 1⁄4 of African youth surveyed think their country is a full democracy, and less than 1⁄2 are satisfied with their democracy.
While a majority of youth believes that violence is not justified in politics, 75% of those surveyed do not exclude the adoption of non-conventional forms of political action (including violence) if their socioeconomic situation is not improving and their political voice is not heard.
80% of young people do not consider emigrating abroad as a relevant solution, and all insist on the fact that the conditions of their social, political and economic integration need to be established in their respective countries and in Africa.

2. Eldership as leadership

The following proverbs show that leadership is generally considered the responsibility of elders who have accumulated years of life experience. These experiences, ostensibly, are the requisite competencies required for public office. The cultural notion of leadership as the responsibility of older individuals is reflected in the structure of several contemporary governance systems:

“A young man standing cannot see what an old man will see sitting down.” — Igbo, Nigeria
Meaning: Elders are guided by the wisdom of experience and, therefore, will always have advantage over the young.

“An Okro plant cannot grow taller than its farmer.” — Creole, Sierra Leone
Meaning: The youth (Okro plant) is planted by the farmer (elder) to whom it owes its existence and sustenance. Thus, the youth cannot be greater than the elder.

“When a kid goat bends down, it sucks from its mother’s breast.” — Swahili
Meaning: Youth are admonished to defer to elders, and reap the reward of nurturing.

3. Inhibited communication

“When the elderly person is doing things wrongly, things that are destroying or capable of destroying both the old and the young, both the present and future generations, the young is expected not to question that action even though he or she would be affected in the consequences of the wrong actions of the elder/leaders.” — Rajesh B. (Mauritius, 2015)

“We live in a country infested by young people, we live in a country where our leaders do not want to be challenged, questioned and called to order by the younger population. We live in a country where the culture and respect card gets used every time young boys and girls call their leaders to order, we live in a country where our leaders use ‘culture’ and ‘respect’ to keep the youth silent and limited.” – Aneesha Bibi Z. (Mauritius 2015)

As a result of inhibited youth expression, youth voices are faint in the structures of governance, and can be ignored by elders. Also, young individuals who attempt to criticise governance systems, failures or actions can be discredited and disgraced. Youth who dare to confront elder leaders may find themselves cast as cultural offenders, and violators of the hallowed tradition of respect.

4. Social Media and Political Expression

Social media has allowed youth to voice opinions and, to some extent, engage with elders in governance. It has been reported that there are 100 million active Facebook users in Africa (TechCrunch, 2014).

How far do you agree that young people of Mauritius are utilizing social media to improve the accountability of political leaders?

The current generation does not want to be treated as the ‘other’. They want to be engaged, they want to talk, they want to contribute. Is the Government of Mauritius doing enough to endorse Internet access and the usage of smart phones?

5. Setback and frustration in governance

“If the world has one picture of African statesmen, it is one of rank corruption on a stupendous scale. There hardly seem any leaders who haven’t crowned themselves in gold, seized land, hand over state businesses to relatives and friends, diverted billions to foreign bank accounts and generally treated their countries as giant personalized cash dispensers”. – Moyo, 2009, p.49

Interventions from the audience

Dr Sharmila Seetulsingh-Goorah, the Director of UTM has been the first to be invited to give her views. She was of the opinion that there is a serious need for a platform for the youngsters to express and communicate their views. She addressed the question of disrespect to elders as being basically a generation gap problem whereby the youth despite having so much to say they are left with no encouragement to express themselves. This lack of communication leads the youth to an escape from the reality of things. There is therefore a need to properly channel the youthful energy to constructive things. “The day they cannot express themselves they will go towards other means of escaping and perhaps taking out their frustrations.” For her, it is a pity to see that our youngsters of today do not take on the streets to express their frustrations as Plato has stated.

Mr Keshav Jokhun, a regional youth member from the National Youth Council, gave another dimension for his part to Dr Sharmila Seetulsingh-Goorah’s, the Director of UTM, views by stating that violence caused by the youth is on the rise in Mauritius. Taking again her point, Dr Sharmila Seetulsingh-Goorah, the Director of UTM came back to Plato’s quote and re-affirmed that she is of the opinion that the quote refers to a means of communication that existed at that time, which unfortunately is not present in our today’s life.

Mr Omosiga, a student from Middlesex University, expressed his views as such: “My parents did not have the same exposure as I do”, that is why our parents do not have the same thinking and opinion as us, and thus Plato’s quote holds water since we live in a different era as of our parents. “We all need guidance from the old generation so that we can move forward”.

Mr Krishna Athal, the YUVA National President, who acted as host for the event took further the debate to that of the minimum age of becoming the President of the Republic of Mauritius as being 40 years old. This minimum age is an understatement that a youngster cannot accede to this position in our country. The question was asked to Mr O. Devpal Cowreea, Vice Chairperson of MACOSS, as to the rationale of such a provision in our constitution.

Mr O. Devpal Cowreea, Vice Chairperson of MACOSS supported his argument by the fact that the President is an institution in itself and not a one man show, and that this tenure comes with great responsibility of dealing with people from all layers of society. Therefore he believes that the President must have a certain maturity to be able to deal with the responsibilities that come with his position.

Miss Anjuli Ramdour, Management Support Officer at the National Human Rights Commission is of the opinion that despite the need of maturity to be able to entertain the position of the President of the Republic, it is also a matter of collaboration whereby the President has to have a panel of advisors while not acting on a one man show basis.

Mr O. Devpal Cowreea, Vice Chairperson of MACOSS made the facts clear that our constitution does not make any provision for the President to have a panel of advisors.

Mr Nooruddin Allybocus, teacher at the Professor Basdeo Bissonndoyal College as well as a YUVAN provided his opinion that the youth generation should have its chance to serve the country.

To this point, Mr O. Devpal Cowreea, Vice Chairperson of MACOSS raised an important point of issue: Does the youth have enough maturity to handle a state and its affairs? He probed further on his statement by saying that the youth might have academic achievements but they may not be successful on-field when dealing with the real world since they lack the practice and perhaps the maturity needed. For him, a person’s capabilities are well known on field only, with his ability to deal wisely with different layers of the society. The post of President is not elected in Mauritius; he is therefore chosen on the basis of maturity and integrity.

Dr J. Jhurry, former advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office was invited to express his opinion too. He evoked a single word: Experience. “It is the accumulated knowledge with time”, he said. At the end of the day, any individual who has the potential and ability to handle and show he has integrity can take up the position of President. For him the age factor is there since this has been the way of things since ages. “What do you expect from a president at the end of the day? The age or the work? Any individual having the capacity and intellect may become a president whatever his age.” According to him, leave the age, the youth must be given the chance, provided he has the required potential to hold this position. “What we need is intellectual maturity rather than age maturity”, has been his concluding lines. He thus appealed to the youth generation to prove itself in terms of intellectual maturity.

Tim Baumah, former President of the Regional Youth Council of Black River, has been of the opinion that the youth generation tend to have a negative attitude towards advices given by elders. For him, the elderly advices are meant to be an encouragement for the youngsters so that we may progress in life.

Mr Vikram Dookna, President at the Youth for a Better World exclaimed “Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait”. It is unfortunate indeed for him that we should define youth based on age. Experience for him does not mean to be always right. Even though it is true that youngsters tend to take emotional decisions, the capacity of the youth generation should not be denied since they can acquire greater things. He explained that not everyone who is young in age is lacking on capabilities since, even people at 60 years can lack the capability and intellect. We should therefore define each one according to his/her capabilities.

There has been another comment from the audience that we should get rid of this attitude of blaming the youth since they only learn from the elders and the elders should therefore have the capacity to reap what they sowed.

Mr Imaam Arshad Joomun, Chairman of the M-Kids Association was of the opinion that it is important that our elders have a stranglehold on our youngsters since the youth generation is not on the right path. The latter should be able to use their intellectual faculty to better judge situations in life so as to take wiser decisions and make good choices. He appealed to YUVA as an NGO to sensitise children as well as the parents regarding the wise choices in life.

Regarding the use of Internet, the opinion of some school students were sought, to which they replied that youngsters should properly use Internet.

Mr Satyam Goolzar, a YUVAN from YUVA Petit Raffray for his part blamed it all on the lack of communication that prevails in the society nowadays. He concluded his statement by saying that experience is important but correct guidance is what is needed above all.

Further to this issue of communication, Mrs Woozrah B Kootbally, President of Al-Waadjidah Ladies Welfare Association affirmed that the lack of communication between parents and children is what is causing the problem. For her, parents should take up their responsibility and act as guide in the life of their children.

Miss Jennyfer Beeharry, Trainee under the Service to Mauritius (STM) at the National Human Rights Commission intervened from a legal perspective, saying that children should have an equal say when elders take decisions as this is a provision made by the law.

Mr Hossen Kurrimboccus, President at Maison Dawah congratulated YUVA for the “noble” work that it is doing by holding this debate between the youth and the older generation. He expressed his opinion that religion and spirituality play an important role in the way a youngster behaves. It is thus very important, according to him, for one to know very well his/her religion and religious books.

Mr Joyvani Rose, District President of YUVA Port Louis was asked regarding the enforcement of gender equality under his leadership in the region of Port Louis. Mr Joyvani Rose, District President of YUVA Port Louis provided insight on the fact that both man and woman are complementary of each other and it is thus very important to maintain the balance between both genders.

A student from the University of Mauritius was short and quick in expressing her view regarding questioning the action of the elders. For her, of what use is education if we cannot question something of bad nature. Education is the tool to help us differentiate between right and wrong. The youth should therefore assume its freedom of expression and the elders should, for their part learn to accept it.

Mr Vince Mooneesamy, the YUVA Head of Social Media was invited by Mr Krishna Athal, YUVA National President to express his views and to advise the youth regarding social media. Mr Vince Mooneesamy, the YUVA Head of Social Media strongly advocated the use of social media as a platform to expose oneself in a better way. “You are what you post. Practice what you post.”

Following the debate of the irresponsible use of Facebook by youngsters, a young medical practitioner has been of the view that these youngsters use Facebook as a platform to express themselves and rightly so because they are enjoying freedom of speech. In reply, Mr Krishna Athal, the YUVA National President’s statement has been that “freedom of speech comes at a cost; that of eternal vigilance. Freedom of speech does not mean to go outside and say whatever you want. There is civility and respect in life.”

Along the same line, Mr Krishna Athal, the YUVA National President also made it clear that this gathering is not about coming up with solutions; rather YUVA has acted as a bridge between the elders and the young people.

A journalism student from the University of Mauritius affirmed to the audience that we should stop saying youth is the future of Mauritius, for it is the present. He therefore claimed for opportunities to be present today for the youth. He went on by providing an unbiased youth perspective that we should not only blame the “grey heads” when they do not give up their chair of presidency for this is the characteristic of anyone, even a youngster who holds the tenure of a president of an organisation/forum.

This idea was seconded by Mr Keshav Jokhun, a regional youth member from the National Youth Council: “Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the active partners of today.”

For Mrs Thea Candice Bonnefin, Project Facilitator at the Decentralised Cooperation Programme (DCP), age is a mere number. What you do with your capabilities is what defines you.

Mr Shahfaraz Rughony, member from the Regional Youth Council of Port Louis also expressed his wish that changes be brought to the constitution regarding the provision for the Minister of Youth and Sports to be a youngster who can really represent the youth generation.

Accessing the psychological aspect of the Mauritian society, Mrs Aneesha Dowlut a student from the psychological background gave out a message to the young students especially to never give up in however challenging situations they find themselves. A man is known best by the company he keeps, it is therefore highly recommendable to have mentors who can always push us forward in life to achieve greater things.

Miss Ashna Soobamte, a student from the University of Mauritius has been of the opinion that it is easier said than done when youngsters have the attitude that they can operate individually and bring about changes without having to depend on authorities and others. It is important to have a baggage, which can be in the form of experience on the field. There is therefore the need for collaboration in all fields of development.

During the last wrapping minutes of the dialogue, YUVA has had the pleasure to welcome the Honourable Raj Dayal, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, Disaster and Beach Management. He echoed YUVA’s motto that being considered as young is a condition of the mind. However “for the system to be operational there is a need to go by age criteria.”

He asked the youth to always question themselves as to whether they are doing enough for the people who trust them. “I trust you”, such have been his words of encouragement to convey to the young audience that this generation has the potential of doing things better; they should therefore make maximum use of everything that is at their disposal. For him, the platform such a YUVA is providing is a matter of opportunity and everyone should make the most to voice out and express themselves, “free ourselves from any restraining issues”. His message for the youth has been to always try to outdo oneself and use the maximum of one’s capabilities. Upon a question from one member of the National Youth Council relating to the less or not opportunities existing for the youth to enter politics, the Minister’s reply was that while opportunities are always at our disposal, “you must not ask; you must do…walk the talk like I do”. It all winds up to be a question of attitude by way of which we can set a trend. He concluded by saying that we should always use our capabilities to bring satisfaction and smile to others, and that this can be done in togetherness. Criticizing will not make us achieve big things let us therefore work together for the wellbeing of the country. Let us bring a better change.

Outcome of YUVA Dialogue 2015

The YUVA Dialogue 2015 gained much success with the active participation of those present. It’s main objective is that of giving the opportunity to those unheard voices has been achieved with great success. This event has been marked as a laudable initiative of YUVA and requests have been such from youngsters especially that such interactive sessions be organised more frequently.

YUVA has thus already given birth and shape to the Mauritius Youth Parliament (MYP) that would be held every month to discuss issues and matters of concern in Mauritius. Participants are mostly young in age – though MYP is open to everyone who is young in spirit.

Download this report in PDF from here.

YUVA Triolet: Mega Blood Donation & Free Diabetes Screening

YUVA Triolet, in close collaboration with YUVA District Pamplemousses, is organising a Mega Blood Donation and Free Diabetes Screening on Saturday, 5 September 2015 from 9:00hr to 17:00hr at the parking lot of Grand Baie, Coeur De Ville (Super U).

Diabetes has always been a threat for Mauritians and unfortunately, the risk is in constant growth. Mauritius is currently the first country with highest number of diabetes per capita in Africa (each 2 to 3 on 5 citizens are threatened) and in the list of first 20 countries of the world. We believe that there is a lack of awareness of diabetes and its consequences on lives of patients and their close ones. There are many illnesses which are directly linked with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, blood pressure and renal diseases which lead patients to require hemodialysis treatment and require blood transfusion. It is to be noted that the country needs approximately 160 to 200 pints of blood a day to cater for hemodialysis and for surgeries requiring blood.

Donating blood is one of the most noble deeds a human being can do. Blood donation saves lives and we, YUVA, want to raise awareness on importance of donating blood but also how to prevent and cure other diseases related to diabetes. The event will contribute to the National Diabetes Education Programme.

Animal Welfare & Rights: Mauritius Youth Parliament, Session 1

This house believes that animals have rights.

The claim that animals have ‘rights’ was first put forward by the Australian philosopher Peter Singer in the 1970s and has been the subject of heated and emotional debates ever since. Often the same organisations that campaign on environmental issues (e.g. Greenpeace) are also concerned for the welfare of animals: both sets of concerns derive from a commitment to the value of Nature and the Earth. The question of animal welfare might well come up in a debate on biodiversity, and is one with so many political and social implications that it is also worth having in its own right.

This session of the Mauritius Youth Parliament (MYP) is about the ethical principles at issue; the separate debates on biodiversity, vegetarianism, zoos, blood sports, and animal experimentation deal with more of the concrete details.

Since the notion of rights was developed, society has slowly moved to include more and more groups under the protection of those rights. It seems absurd now to suggest that women, the poor, and people who are not Caucasian should not have rights. Some argue that it is equally absurd to exclude animals. Will we someday regard the status quo as equally unethical as the time of slavery and female oppression? Or do rights only extend as far as the human race? Can we treat animals in a more ethical fashion without giving them rights? What would change if we did give animals rights?

A note on strategy

Many harms can be identified by the proposition in this debate session. We frequently harm animals when we eat meat, wear leather or fur, engage in battery/factory farming, engage in horse-racing, scientific testing, hunting, trapping, and culling or keep animals in zoos and circuses. We even harm our own pets when we put them down, refuse to provide expensive medical treatment, over or under feed them, neglect to pay them attention, keep them in small enclosures, keep them in our handbags or cars or force them to perform in shows, wear clothes etc.

We need to protect animals with rights. The proposition will have to make some decisions as to which of these activities they want to protect animals against. They need also to decide which rights they will grant animals. Will it be all rights that human beings have? Will it be only the right to life?

YUVA argues that the only right animals need is the right not to be considered property.

The opposition does not have to argue that we can do whatever we want to animals. They may argue that we have only indirect duties to animals or that we should still avoid cruelty to animals but should not give them rights.

Invitation

YUVA invites the public at large to attend the first session of the Mauritius Youth Parliament (MYP) to discuss Animal Welfare, on Friday 25 September 2015 at 9:00hr, Council Room of Municipality of Port Louis.

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Ghirish Bissoon Appointed as New YUVA District President of Pamplemousses

Ghirish Bissoon, new president of YUVA District of Pamplemousses.

The YUVA National Board has approved reconstitution of the YUVA District of Pamplemousses and the appointment of a new district president, Ghirish Bissoon.

“The honour and challenge of bringing forward the destiny of our district YUVA is a task that I have accepted with enthusiasm, and I would like to thank the national president, Krishna Athal and the YUVA Board members for their trust”, said the new district president.

Ghirish Bissoon said that his main goal is to reinforce and uphold the objectives of YUVA. He proposes to emphasize on creating a responsible youth citizenship imbued with multidisciplinary skills that would contribute efficiently and effectively in all spheres of the development of the district of Pamplemousses.

Ghirish Bissoon will succeed Girish Buckhory, who has served as district president of Pamplemousses since YUVA was founded. Bissoon has previously served as president of YUVA Morcellement Saint Andre.

If you want to get in-touch with Ghirish Bissoon, you can email him at pritishghirish@hotmail.com.

YUVA President Krishna Athal launches ‘Ramrajya: An Enigmatic Leader’s Rise to Power’

This book is a premier in terms of concept and narration in Mauritius and takes on a witty tone; while still being at the reach to all types of readers who might not necessarily possess political science knowledge.

YUVA has the pleasure to announce that the president Krishna Athal is launching his much-awaited book, “Ramrajya: An Enigmatic Leader’s Rise to Power” on Wednesday 19 August 2015.

Ramrajya would be available in all Bookcourt branches around Mauritius – Caudan Waterfront, Trianon Shopping Park, Flacq Shopping Mall, Bagatelle Shopping Mall, Cascavelle Shopping Village, Grand Baie La Croisette and SSR International Airport – as from at the price of Rs 750.

Ramrajya: An Enigmatic Leader’s Rise to Power offers an analytical take on one of Mauritius’ most revered political leaders, Navin Ramgoolam. Be prepared to be lead through the journey of the career of a man who has strategically worked his way to attain the most powerful position in the country. Delve into the inner workings of political systems adopted in Mauritius and understand what keeps our political wheels spinning while learning about a man who has so far, remained undoubtedly charismatically mysterious despite his high profile public persona.

This book is a premier in terms of concept and narration in Mauritius and takes on a witty tone; while still being at the reach to all types of readers who might not necessarily possess political science knowledge. It contains unbiased, logical explanations and accounts designed to enrich and empower as well as satisfy all forms of curiosity.

Readers can also pre-order their copies by sending an SMS to +23059067000.

YUVA Dialogue 2015: Rencontre cheveux noirs et cheveux gris à Port Louis

Dans le cadre de la journée Internationale de la Jeunesse 2015, le Youth United for Voluntary Action (YUVA) a organisé une rencontre entre les jeunes et les moins jeunes autour de cinq thèmes.

Cette demie journée qui s’est deroulé dans la salle du Conseil de la Municipalité de Port Louis aux jeunes présents et les autres de debattre sur le sujets suivants:

The imperative for youth-elder collaboration in governance;
Eldership as leadership;
Inhibited communication;
Social Media and Political Expression;
Setback and frustration in gouvernance

Pour Krishna Athal, président de YUVA , le but de cette rencontre est de pas trouver des solutions mis de mettre en place une plateforme et un pont entre les genérations.

Enhancing Youth-Elder Alliance in Governance in Mauritius

YUVA Dialogue 2015 is being held tomorrow at Port Louis. This is inline with the commemoration of the International Youth Day 2015 in Mauritius. YUVA has invited YUVANs, school and university students, members of local NGOs and the press to debate on the topic, “Enhancing Youth-Elder Alliance in Governance in Mauritius”.

Youth constitute the majority of the population on the African continent. This forum explores the convergence of traditional (Mauritian Tradition) and modern ways of social engagement in political governance interactions. It discusses the imperative for youth participation in governance, as well as the challenges and opportunities for dialogue between youth and elders in governance systems. It will also discuss cultural norms that have prevented the development of collaboration between youth and elders, as well as the consequences of constricted relationships, for example the entrenchment of elders as leaders.

1) The imperative for youth-elder collaboration in governance

56% of African youth are interested in current affairs. Urban youth have a higher level of interest than rural youth.
Less than 1⁄4 of African youth surveyed think their country is a full democracy, and less than 1⁄2 are satisfied with their democracy.
While a majority of youth believes that violence is not justified in politics, 75% of those surveyed do not exclude the adoption of non-conventional forms of political action (including violence) if their socioeconomic situation is not improving and their political voice is not heard.

80% of young people do not consider emigrating abroad as a relevant solution, and all insist on the fact that the conditions of their social, political and economic integration need to be established in their respective countries and in Africa.

2) Eldership as leadership

“A young man standing cannot see what an old man will see sitting down.” — Igbo, Nigeria

Meaning: Elders are guided by the wisdom of experience and, therefore, will always have advantage over the young.

“An Okro plant cannot grow taller than its farmer.” — Creole, Sierra Leone

Meaning: The youth (Okro plant) is planted by the farmer (elder) to whom it owes its existence and sustenance. Thus, the youth cannot be greater than the elder.

“When a kid goat bends down, it sucks from its mother’s breast.” — Swahili

Meaning: Youth are admonished to defer to elders, and reap the reward of nurturing.

3) Inhibited communication

4) Social Media and Political Expression

How far do you agree that young people of Mauritius are utilizing social media to improve the accountability of political leaders?

5) Setback and frustration in governance

Note: This discussion topic has been adapted from Ms. Ify Ogo’s (PhD Candidate, Maastricht University) presentation at the MINDS Annual African Youth Dialogue 2015.

MINDS Dialogue 2015: What’s the Point of Being a Youth?

Every youth has a duty to be a responsible citizen. But unfortunately, not many of them take this responsibility seriously. And that’s the downfall of the youth community.

Writing this article, right now, from the conference room of MINDS Dialogue 2015 is giving me inspiration to be a bit more aggressive in my arguments and thoughts. To start with, let’s go through some facts and figures.

35% of the population of the African continent is young people. Besides, African Union has projected that by the year 2020, 3 out of 4 people in Africa will be on average 20 years old. A 2012 study of youth across Africa published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and crosschecked by the Africa Governance Institute captures a range of African youth perspectives on governance;

56% of African youth are interested in current affairs. Urban youth have a higher level of interest than rural youth.
Less than 1⁄4 of African youth surveyed think their country is a full democracy, and less than 1⁄2 are satisfied with their democracy.
Less than 1⁄2 of youth have confidence in the honesty of elections.
Since 2000, youth voter turnout has declined in most countries, except Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Cape Verde.
In some African countries, youth have more confidence in the military than in government.
While a majority of youth believes that violence is not justified in politics, 75% of those surveyed do not exclude the adoption of non-conventional forms of political action (including violence) if their socioeconomic situation is not improving and their political voice is not heard. The highest percentages of young people sharing this position are in the countries of North Africa, Central Africa and West Africa.
80% of young people surveyed do not consider emigrating abroad as a relevant solution, and all insist on the fact that the conditions of their social, political and economic integration need to be established in their respective countries and in Africa.

MINDS Annual Youth Dialogue 2015

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a continental institute that seeks to address the short, medium, and long-term development challenges in Africa in a holistic and comprehensive manner.

MINDS hosted its 2015 annual African Youth Dialogue on Elections and Governance from 7 – 8 August 2015 in in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The aim of the Youth Dialogue’s is to foster the increase in the number of young people peacefully and actively participating in African elections and governance processes based on an appreciation of the significance of their demographic superiority. It is therefore a useful platform through which African youth have an opportunity to interact as they interrogate and deepen the understanding of issues of mutual interest pertaining to the development and transformation of the Continent.

I’ve been lucky enough to represent Mauritius this year in this gathering. Participants have been drawn from all regions of Africa (North, West, Central, East and Southern Africa) using set criteria.

The critic and way forward

MINDS Dialogue 2015 is not the first and only gathering of young people that has been organised since the beginning of this year in Africa. And every time the conclusion is that we have to include youth in decision-making and to fight back the elders – or the “grey heads”, as you might call it – so that they accept and respect us in every level of management and governance. In the words of Plato (4th Century BC), “What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets, inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?”

Analysing the whole scenario from a different angle, i believe that we, the young people of Africa, are fighting an external war instead of first securing our weapons. Our weapons, here, would be to build up a solid, and more important a sustainable, reputation.

We do not need to request or fight elders to accept us. We need to excel to such a level that there would be no other choice for any system to adopt us.

Here i would quote Muhammad Iqbal, who once said, “Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle khuda bande se khud pooche bata teri raza kya hai.” (TR. “Elevate yourself so high that even God, before issuing every decree of destiny, should ask you: Tell me, what is your intent?”)

If you’re a young African, and you are passionate about doing business, then become the best businessman. If you’re an academic, be the best. If you’re a cleaner, be the best at your work. This is how an identity of the whole community is created. It’s a concept of branding – you build an organisation by positioning it and giving it a personality. It’s high time to shift from immature, irresponsible and untrustworthy branding to that of a responsible, innovative and trustworthy youth African community.

If you want the right thing, my dear young friend, then start doing the right thing!

-KRISHNA ATHAL
President of YUVA

Jeux des îles de l’Océan Indien 2015: Allez Maurice

The Indian Ocean Island Games (French: Jeux des îles de l’océan Indien) is a multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from Indian Ocean islands.

The Games were adopted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1976 and currently gather the islands of Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Mayotte, Réunion and the Maldives. The number of athletes who participate has increased over the years, it went from 1000 athletes in 1979 to over 1500 participants in 2003 and 2007.

Origin

From 1947 until 1963, a precursor called Indian Ocean Games Triangulaire was organized between Madagascar, Mauritius and Réunion. In Madagascar 1963, a football match between Mauritius vs Madagascar was abandoned at 1-1 in 54′. Then Madagascar declared winners of tournament. After this match Mauritius refused to play and the tournament was not held anymore.

In 1974, the Regional Olympic Committee of Réunion decide to organise a multi-sport competition in the Indian Ocean and it was finally adopted by the IOC in 1976. The competition was initially billed as the Indian Ocean Games. However, its name was changed to the Indian Ocean Island Games before the first games, without the participation of Sri Lanka, initially in the bill.

The objectives of the games is to contribute to regional cooperation through the development of sport in the region, build friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the islands of the Indian Ocean, in the spirit of Olympism. Allow athletes to have every four years, a competition whose interest and level are commensurate with the real sport of the region, create a regional event whose repercussions will ensure the infrastructure development of countries in the area that lags far behind.

YUVA shows it’s support to Team Mauritius in the JIOI 2015

Download the Facebook cover — Download the YUVA Facebook cover for JIOI 2015

YUVA District Plaines Wilhems Appoints Its President

After 3 months of wait, the YUVA District Plaines Wilhems has finally got its president, under whose leadership all the local YUVAs found in the towns would operate.

The appointed president of YUVA District Plaines Wilhems is none other than Krishna Athal, the actual national president of YUVA. Krishna Athal has opted the district of Plaines Wilhems as his operation area, and this decision has been warmly welcomed by YUVANs of the region.

“I accept this challenging position with humility, and with a dream for the district. Being the national president of YUVA, i have been, till now, been involved in managerial undertakings. I’ve felt the need of operating at grassroots level since the beginning, and the new position of YUVA Disctrict President of Plaines Wilhems quenches my quest to come closer to people,” Krishna Athal said.

Plaines Wilhems is the most populated district; the population estimate was at 387,372 as of 31 December 2012. The district is mainly urban; it consists of four towns, the village of Midlands and part of two other villages. The Plaines Wilhems district does not have a District Council; it has four Municipal Town Councils. YUVA is already found in those four towns – Beau-Bassin, Rose-Hill, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes and Vacoas-Phoenix. The villages are Midlands, Cascavelle (East – West in Rivière Noire district) and Moka (West- East in Moka district).

The district was named after Wilhem Leicknig. Of Prussian origin, he settled on the island of Mauritius, then known as Isle de France, in 1721.

Did you know? [YUVA Operational Structure]

YUVA has a National Board where appointed members act as policy makers of the organisation. The National Board is constituted by a Chairman & National President, General Secretary, Head of Research & Development, Head of Social Media, 12 Advisors and 9 District Presidents. The Board plays a key role in coordinating activities: bringing potential partners together, facilitating the overall flow of information, helping identify where there are opportunities to collaborate, and supporting that collaboration.

Under the National Board comes the District Boards, where YUVA has appointed a President for every district of Mauritius. The District Presidents work towards creating local YUVAs in every ward/village/town found in their territories.

At the end, the local YUVA Presidents become District Board members, chaired by their respective District Presidents.

YUVA Morcellement St Andre: Quiz Competition for Primary Students

In line with its initiatives to endorse education in the village, YUVA Morcellement St Andre, in close collaboration with the Morcellement Saint Andre Community Centre, has the pleasure to invite Standard IV, Standard V and Standard VI students for a quiz competition on the below-mentioned schedule:

Venue: Morcellement St Andre Community Centre
Date: 14 August 2015
Time: 10.00 a.m

Kindly register your name at the Morcellement Saint Andre Community Centre by 7 August 2015 at latest.

For more info kindly contact:

Ghirish Bissoon on 54290794
Adish Sewlall on 57526872
Kevin Mungur on 59265328