21 February: International Mother Language Day

Since 2000, the world has celebrated International Mother Language Day on 21 February. A language is considerably more than simply a means of communication. Language, notably the mother tongue, is a vital aspect of different cultures worldwide. International Mother Language Day aims to enhance global awareness of language, cultural diversity, and multilingualism. But what are the history and importance of this day?

According to the United Nations, languages are strategically crucial for individuals and the world due to their complex consequences for identity, communication, social integration, education, and growth. They are, unfortunately, increasingly threatened or on the verge of extinction because of globalisation. However, they are an essential part of preserving cultures all over the world.

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10 New Year Resolutions Every Youth Should Take in 2022

A new year is full of optimism and opportunity for many young people, presumably why they want to improve themselves as the year starts. There is no such thing as a person who is completely satisfied with every aspect of their life. As a result, when the new year arrives, it’s the ideal time to implement a few positive, uplifting adjustments to kick off the year on the right foot.

Unfortunately, selecting suitable New Year’s Resolutions might be challenging at times. Choosing the correct resolutions and following through on them allow individuals to be new and better people by replacing some of their negative habits with ones that make them healthier and happier. On the other hand, choosing the wrong resolutions or failing to create a strategy to fulfil them implies that the new year will be like the previous ones.

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Why You Should Be Worried About the Future of Reading Culture in Mauritius

A reading culture is defined as an environment where reading is cherished, respected, and encouraged. Reading is more than just a pastime or a requirement for schoolwork. But does Mauritius have a reading culture?

Reading plays a vital role in society – from reading emails, text messages, road signs, or advertisements. In reality, even individuals who claim to despise reading do so daily. Therefore, reading is not just essential to future career success. It can also benefit youngsters in future relationships while maintaining a household and other aspects of their personal life.

Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly young people, are losing interest in reading in Mauritius. But what is the importance of having a culture of reading, and what are the ways to foster it?

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How Covid-19 Changed Social Work in Mauritius

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, social workers have encountered several difficulties to keep providing care to people who need them. In Mauritius, the epidemic has exacerbated challenges for those with mental health issues, addictions, poverty, homelessness, and violence, thus increasing the importance of social work in society.

To provide quality services throughout the pandemic, social workers are usually forced to make tough decisions and adapt to new approaches to working. However, to understand how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected social work, it is first essential to understand social work and its importance in Mauritian society.

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Is Having a Boyfriend or Girlfriend Right at the Age of 15?

Around their mid-teens, adolescents’ interest in dating tends to grow more, explaining why 15 years olds are dating more and more these days. But is 15 an appropriate age to start dating, and what are the benefits and consequences of teenage dating?

Dating is a natural, healthy, and crucial component of the emotional development of any young person. However, some may start dating at a very young age, and parents often fear that their child will get hurt, manipulated, or heartbroken.

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The Latest Eating Disorders in Mauritius Trends: Hip or Hype?

Even if there is the word “eating” in the term “eating disorders”, the term is much more than food.

They are mental health disorders that are complex and that usually necessitate the involvement of health professionals to change their trajectory. Unfortunately, in Mauritius, individuals with eating disorders may endure additional stress and obstacles due to stigma. But what are eating disorders, what are the misconceptions about them that exist in Mauritian society and what are their consequences?

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5 Reasons Why I Chose to Intern at YUVA Mauritius: Mansi Hursahye

I am a psychology student who recently started an internship with YUVA and I am thoroughly enjoying it. It’s motivating to be part of an organisation that cares about society and its employees.

Despite the obstacles that have arisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic, YUVA has ensured that the internship experience remains exciting and memorable even after shifting online.

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10 Ways Through Which Kids Can Reject Body-Shaming

Although no one is born perfect, hearing criticisms about one’s physical appearance is something that even children experience.

Body image is developed at a very young age, with children as young as 3 to 5 years old beginning to worry about their appearance and even express dissatisfaction. It can be challenging to avoid children getting exposed to “the ideal body type” in society.

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Is Mauritius Doing Enough to Tackle Mental Health?

Mental health conditions are on the rise globally and have been exacerbated due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tackling mental health issues does not only help to improve the mental well-being of people but, it can also improve their physical health. Research has found that poor mental health limits a person’s ability to work successfully, reach their full potential, and contribute to their community. Therefore, tackling mental health issues can help Mauritius increase the overall health of its population and the quality of life of its people. But is Mauritius doing enough to tackle this issue? And if not, what can be done to tackle this issue?

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5 Ways to Tackle Body-Shaming in Mauritius

Body-shaming has long been a part of the Mauritian culture. Whether it is done intentionally or unintentionally, no one should feel self-conscious about their weight, clothing size, skin colour, or physical form just because they do not have what society considers to be “the ideal body type.”

As a result, unrealistic cultural ideals and unfavourable media depictions of body image negatively impact not only a person’s self-worth and self-esteem but also their mental health. Social anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are some of the issues that might arise. Therefore, tackling body-shaming is one of the ways to improve mental health in Mauritius.

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