On Friday, 22nd August 2025, YUVA was invited to attend a thought-provoking and interactive workshop titled “Inclusion in Action”, organised by JCI Quatre Bornes in collaboration with the Community Engagement Cell of the Open University of Mauritius and the Fraternité des Malades et Handicapés (FMMH).

The event took place from 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Lecture Theatre of the Open University of Mauritius, bringing together academics, civil society representatives, young leaders, and community advocates to deepen conversations on disability inclusion.

Setting the Tone: Welcoming Remarks

The session began with a warm welcoming address by Ms. Suniti Nundoo Goorah, Senior Lecturer at the Open University of Mauritius. She offered an insightful introduction to the university’s Community Engagement Cell, which plays a pivotal role in spearheading projects in the areas of social development, environment, education, health, and wellness.

Ms. Goorah emphasised the importance of integrating outreach programmes within curricular activities, highlighting how academic institutions can act as bridges between theory and real-world societal impact. She also touched upon a sobering reality: over one billion people globally live with some form of disability, making it imperative for societies to proactively explore ways of integration and inclusion.

Youth at the Centre of Inclusion

Following this, Ms. Haadiya Dahal of JCI Quatre Bornes introduced the mission and vision of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global network of young active citizens aged 18–40. She explained how JCI empowers young people through opportunities in leadership, community development, and management, while fostering partnerships that drive sustainable change.

Her intervention resonated with the audience, particularly because the question of inclusion is deeply connected to youth leadership. Young people not only represent future decision-makers but also play a crucial role in reshaping today’s structures to accommodate all members of society.

Keynote by Ms. Aisha Kala: Understanding and Living Inclusion

The highlight of the event was the keynote session delivered by Ms. Aisha Kala, who is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. She set the stage by reminding attendees that inclusion is not merely about policies or services but about creating an ecosystem where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully and with dignity.

Before diving into her core themes, Ms. Kala invited two students to share a heartfelt poem on “Difference”, which underscored the beauty of diversity and the strength found in embracing uniqueness. This creative interlude set the tone for a day dedicated not just to theory, but also to empathy and lived experiences.

Interactive Learning: Experiencing Barriers First-Hand

One of the most impactful aspects of the workshop was the series of interactive activities designed to allow participants to briefly step into the shoes of persons with disabilities.

• Mobility Challenge: Two young male volunteers were tasked with moving from one chair to another without using their feet. This exercise revealed how everyday actions, often taken for granted, become major challenges when mobility is limited.
• Dexterity Challenge: Two female volunteers were asked to perform simple tasks under constraints. The first had to open a water bottle without using her hands or fists, while the second was required to pour water into a glass using the same method. Both struggled initially, but the experience vividly illustrated the adaptability and resilience required by persons living with disabilities.

The activities were followed by group reflections, where participants acknowledged the invisible barriers that exist in daily life and the urgency of designing inclusive environments—from workplaces to schools, and from public infrastructure to digital tools.

Stories of Resilience: Technology and Adaptation

The session also featured the screening of a moving video about Avinash, a software engineer who operates entirely through voice commands. His story underscored how assistive technology can transform lives, enabling independence, productivity, and dignity.

This example sparked conversations around the intersection of innovation, accessibility, and opportunity, reminding the audience that inclusion must go hand-in-hand with technology adoption and design thinking.

Thematic Discussions: Knowledge and Implementation

Throughout her session, Ms. Kala guided participants through three central themes:

1. Knowledge About Disability – dispelling myths, building empathy, and understanding the varied spectrum of disabilities.
2. Inclusion as a Value – shifting societal mindsets from charity-based approaches to rights-based inclusion.
3. Practical Implementation – ensuring that schools, workplaces, and communities actively embed inclusive practices in policies, infrastructure, and everyday interactions.

Her facilitation style kept the audience engaged, with participants contributing insights and reflecting on how their organisations could better embrace inclusive strategies.

Closing Reflections

The workshop came to a close around 11:30 AM, leaving participants with a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment. It was evident that “Inclusion in Action” was not just an academic exercise but a call to reimagine the way we structure society—from education and employment to healthcare and public spaces.

For YUVA, participation in this workshop reinforced the organisation’s mission of empowering communities and championing social equity. By listening, engaging, and experiencing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, our team gained deeper insight into how civil society can contribute to dismantling barriers and fostering environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

A Way Forward

As Mauritius continues its journey toward becoming a more inclusive society, workshops like these play a pivotal role in shaping mindsets, policies, and practices. Collaboration between academic institutions, civil society organisations, and youth networks ensures that inclusion is not just spoken about but truly practiced.

“Inclusion in Action” was a timely reminder that disability does not define a person—the lack of access and opportunity does. By working together, we can move closer to building a society where difference is celebrated, not sidelined.