Reopening of Barkly Youth Centre marks renewed focus on youth development

The Barkly Youth Centre officially re-opened on Saturday 28 February 2026 in Barkly, Beau Bassin, during a ceremony marking a renewed commitment to youth development in the region. The initiative aims to empower young people by providing them with a modern and dedicated space for training, recreational activities, mentoring, and community engagement.

The reopening forms part of Government’s continued efforts to strengthen youth structures and

create an enabling environment where young individuals can develop their talents, enhance their skills, and actively contribute to society. Through upgraded facilities and structured programmes, the centre is expected to serve as a dynamic hub fostering leadership, social responsibility, and personal growth among the youth of Barkly.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; the Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mrs Eileen Karen Lee Chin Foo Kune-Bacha; and the Mayor of the Municipal Council of Beau Bassin–Rose Hill, Mrs Gabriella Batour, along with other distinguished guests and stakeholders.

In his address, Minister Nagalingum emphasised that sport must be accessible to all and serve as a driving force for national development. He stated that young people must be guided, supported, and empowered so that they may be steered away from social ills, including drug abuse. The Minister described the centre as a platform through which youth can be brought out of negative influences and provided with positive opportunities for growth and transformation, with the support and motivation of parents and the community. He further highlighted that such initiatives are essential to ensuring that young people are equipped with the necessary tools to secure a brighter and more stable future.

For his part, Minister Bhagwan commended the initiative undertaken by the Minister of Youth and Sports and lauded the efforts deployed to revitalise youth structures in the region. He stated that the reopening of the centre marks a turning point in guiding and supporting the youth of Barkly. The Minister emphasised the importance of providing safe and structured environments where the energy and potential of young people can be channelled positively. According to him, sustainable progress can only be achieved when youth are actively engaged, empowered and encouraged to become responsible citizens who contribute constructively to national development.

As for Junior Minister Foo Kune-Bacha, she highlighted that the centre would offer a wide range of activities including football, boxing, kickboxing, ping-pong, theatre and traditional music such as ‘ravanne’, among others. She pointed out that training and formation programmes would be implemented to support the holistic development of young people and assist them in uncovering their full potential. The Junior Minister also referred to the rehabilitation of the football ground as part of ongoing efforts to provide adequate infrastructure and ensure that the youth are equipped with the necessary facilities to progress and thrive.

Mayor Batour highlighted that the youth centre will offer a safe and welcoming environment where children and young people can learn, interact and create meaningful experiences. She emphasised the importance of close collaboration between the Ministry and the municipality to ensure that the centre remains active, well maintained and accessible to all, describing the reopening as a positive step towards greater inclusion and stronger community cohesion.

02 March 2026

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Topics: Sports, Youth