CSU launches participatory workshop to support Rodriguan migrants in Mauritius

A one-day participatory community workshop, under the Rodriguan Internal Migrants Empowerment and Support Programme, opened, this morning, at the Youth Hub in Cité La Cure, in the presence of the Head of the Citizen Support Unit (CSU), Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Louis Girty Eleonore. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to support Rodriguan migrants living in Mauritius through practical and sustainable, community-based interventions.

The programme is being implemented by the CSU, following the publication in 2025 of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) report entitled ‘Internal Migration between the Islands of Rodrigues and Mauritius: Drivers, Challenges and Opportunities for Support’. The report identified several challenges faced by Rodriguan migrants including housing difficulties, financial insecurity, lack of information and preparedness, family separation and psychosocial distress, gender-related vulnerabilities, as well as poverty, exclusion and stigmatisation.

Building on the report’s findings, the programme seeks to strengthen the capacities, autonomy, resilience and equal opportunities of Rodriguan migrants through a participatory community development approach. It brings together Rodriguan communities, Ministries, Government departments, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to develop concrete responses to the issues identified.

Participants are invited to identify the main challenges, resources and opportunities within the identified intervention areas, with a view to developing a realistic and sustainable community action plan.

The pilot phase of the programme will be implemented in Cluster 1, which comprises several localities in the regions of Cité La Cure, Sainte Croix and Roche Bois, including Ti Rodrig, State Land Robert Scott, Marjolain and Karo Kalyptis. The cluster approach aims to facilitate community mobilisation, strengthen inter-agency coordination and support the implementation of joint actions at regional level.

In his address, Mr Eleonore emphasised that the programme seeks to move beyond awareness and sensitisation activities by promoting community participation, ownership and practical action. He highlighted the importance of developing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) initiatives and sustainable solutions informed by both the recommendations of the IOM report and the lived experiences of Rodriguan migrants.

Mr Eleonore further pointed out that Government is committed to addressing the issues raised by Rodriguan communities through reliable and targeted interventions. He noted that priorities would be established following a thorough assessment of the challenges identified, allowing for immediate action on the most pressing concerns while laying the groundwork for longer-term solutions.

19 June 2026

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Topics: Rodrigues