PORT LOUIS – YUVA Mauritius is excited to announce the commencement of its groundbreaking project, “STEM Education for Disadvantaged Kids to Increase the Representation of Young Girls in the Scientific Field.” Thanks to generous funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), this initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in the field of science and technology by empowering 368 young girls in Mauritius with robotics skills. The project officially began on 25 August 2023 and is set to conclude on 29 February 2024.

Recognising the pressing need for increased gender diversity in STEM fields, YUVA Mauritius has taken on the responsibility of developing a Robotics Training Programme designed to inspire and engage young girls in the robotics sector. Through this initiative, the organisation seeks to achieve several key objectives:

1. Promoting STEM Education: The project aims to raise awareness and stimulate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among Mauritian youth, with a specific focus on young girls. By fostering an early interest in STEM, YUVA Mauritius hopes to create a solid foundation for future careers in science and technology.
2. Hands-On Learning: YUVA Mauritius will provide opportunities for participants to gain practical experience in the construction and programming of robots. This hands-on approach will enable these young girls to develop essential technical skills and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
3. Fostering Creativity: Through the Robotics Training Programme, YUVA Mauritius intends to nurture creativity among participants. By encouraging them to design, build, and program robots, the project aims to unlock their innovative potential and inspire them to pursue careers in technology and engineering.

Commenting on the project’s significance, Dr Krishna Athal, Executive Director of YUVA, said, “This initiative represents a crucial step toward promoting gender equality in STEM fields. We are breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive future by providing young girls with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in robotics and technology.”

The support from CFLI is instrumental in realising these goals. The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has a longstanding commitment to supporting local projects that make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. YUVA Mauritius is grateful for CFLI’s partnership in this important endeavour.

YUVA Mauritius invites all stakeholders, including educational institutions, community organisations, and the wider public, to join us in our mission to empower disadvantaged girls and increase their representation in the scientific field. Together, we can inspire a new generation of innovators and bridge the gender gap in STEM.

For more information about YUVA Mauritius and its “STEM Education for Disadvantaged Kids” project, please visit www.yuva.info or contact us on 5252 5556.

About the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)

The CFLI is a unique fund in that most projects are designed and implemented by small, local civil society organisations. These organisations understand local needs and priorities and are often best placed to respond to them. This increases the overall impact of projects and strengthens engagement in issues that are important to the prosperity and well-being of local communities.

The CFLI funds approximately 650 projects annually. This includes a range of initiatives from training local election monitors to improving community resiliency to the effects of climate change to supporting women’s inclusion in local peace negotiations.

By supporting local groups that may not otherwise qualify for funding from larger donors, the CFLI is also helping local civil society organisations to flourish and succeed.

CFLI projects focus on issues such as:

• Inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights, 2SLGBTQI+ rights and the rule of law.
• Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
• Peace & security, with a focus on conflict prevention and building peace.
• Growth that works for everyone, including women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, investing in the poorest and most vulnerable, and safeguarding economic gains.
• Environment & climate action, focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management.
• Human dignity, covering health, education and nutrition.