Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are at the heart of social change in Mauritius. They address issues that the state alone cannot always resolve, from education and healthcare to poverty alleviation and community development. Among the many NGOs working tirelessly across the island, YUVA Mauritius has established itself as a leader in youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development.

Since its creation in 2015, YUVA has grown into one of the country’s most recognised youth-led NGOs. What sets it apart is not only the scale of its projects but also the philosophy that guides them: empowering young people to take the lead in shaping their own future.

The Importance of NGOs in Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island nation with a dynamic economy, but like any society, it faces challenges. Issues such as inequality, unemployment among young people, climate vulnerability, and gaps in education and healthcare require targeted interventions.

This is where NGOs play a crucial role. They act as bridges between communities, government institutions, and international organisations. They bring in fresh ideas, community knowledge, and grassroots action. By doing so, they ensure that development is not only about policies written in offices but about changes that touch the everyday lives of people.

YUVA’s Mission and Values

YUVA Mauritius operates with a vision grounded in four key areas:

1. Education – providing children and young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and gain valuable skills.
2. Health – raising awareness of both physical and mental health issues, while promoting healthier lifestyles.
3. Employment – preparing young people for the job market and supporting entrepreneurship to reduce unemployment.
4. Empowerment – encouraging leadership, civic engagement, and self-confidence among youth and women.

These pillars make YUVA not just a service provider but a catalyst for long-term social transformation. Instead of creating dependency, the organisation invests in building resilience and independence in communities.

Youth-Led Approach

One of YUVA’s defining characteristics is that it is youth-led. Rather than seeing young people as passive recipients of aid, the organisation places them at the centre of decision-making and implementation. This model ensures that projects remain relevant to the needs of young people and encourages them to take ownership of the solutions.

Some examples of youth-driven initiatives include:

• Youth Parliament of Mauritius – a platform that mirrors parliamentary proceedings, giving young people the chance to debate issues, propose solutions, and learn about governance.
• STEM and Robotics Programmes – equipping students with scientific, technological, and problem-solving skills through workshops and competitions.
• Environmental Projects – mobilising young people to take action on climate change, waste reduction, and sustainable practices in their communities.

Through these programmes, YUVA fosters a generation that is not only educated but also empowered to lead.

Community Impact

YUVA’s work extends across Mauritius, with projects addressing both urban and rural challenges. For example, educational support programmes have helped underprivileged children improve literacy and academic performance. Health awareness campaigns have shed light on sensitive but important issues such as mental health, drug prevention, and reproductive health.

In the field of employment, YUVA has provided training workshops on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and job readiness, helping many young people increase their chances of securing sustainable livelihoods. Women empowerment workshops have encouraged female entrepreneurs and leaders to step into new roles with confidence.

The community impact is visible not just in numbers but in stories—young people who go on to start their own initiatives, women who become financially independent, and communities that begin to view themselves as agents of change.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Another strength of YUVA Mauritius lies in its ability to build partnerships. By collaborating with both local institutions and international organisations, YUVA has been able to expand its reach and improve the quality of its programmes.

Working with universities, research organisations, and civil society networks, YUVA brings together knowledge, resources, and expertise. This collaborative approach ensures that their initiatives are not isolated efforts but part of a wider movement for social development in Mauritius and beyond.

Recognition and Achievements

Over the years, YUVA Mauritius has received recognition both nationally and internationally. In 2024, the organisation was awarded the “NGO with Most Sustainable Practices” at the World Sustainability Forum. This recognition reflects YUVA’s commitment to aligning its projects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that the impact created today continues to benefit future generations.

Beyond awards, YUVA’s true achievements are seen in the lives it has touched. From young people who discover their leadership potential in the Youth Parliament to children whose confidence grows through after-school programmes, the organisation’s success lies in empowering individuals to create their own success stories.

Why YUVA Leads the Way

Mauritius has many active NGOs, each addressing different areas of need. However, YUVA Mauritius stands out for several reasons:

• Youth at the centre – giving young people real leadership roles.
• Comprehensive focus – addressing education, health, employment, and empowerment together.
• Strong partnerships – working with local and global institutions to maximise impact.
• Commitment to sustainability – ensuring that programmes create long-term change.

This holistic, forward-looking approach positions YUVA as a model for other NGOs not only in Mauritius but also in the wider region.

How to Get Involved

YUVA Mauritius welcomes individuals and organisations who wish to contribute to its mission. There are many ways to get involved:

• Volunteering – offering time and skills in community projects.
• Donations – supporting initiatives financially to expand their reach.
• Partnerships – collaborating to design and implement impactful programmes.

By joining forces with YUVA, anyone can play a role in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and hopeful Mauritius.

Conclusion

The role of NGOs in Mauritius cannot be overstated, and YUVA Mauritius has proven itself as one of the country’s leading organisations. With its strong focus on empowering young people, its broad and inclusive projects, and its commitment to sustainability, YUVA continues to lead the way in creating lasting positive change.

As Mauritius looks to the future, NGOs like YUVA will remain essential in ensuring that progress is not only measured by economic growth but also by the wellbeing, empowerment, and opportunities available to its people.

Tereza Röslerová, Caritas College Olomouc – Communications Officer