Students showcase innovative solutions for sustainable development

An Education for Sustainable Development Initiatives Exhibition was held yesterday at Seewa Bappoo State Secondary School (SSS) in Vacoas, showcasing practical and innovative projects developed over three months by students from secondary schools in Zone 4.

The initiative was organised by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource in collaboration with Mauritius Telecom, with the support of the Ministries responsible for Agro-Industry; Energy; Environment; and Local Government.

The project enabled students to explore sustainable development and translate their ideas into practical initiatives addressing environmental challenges. Each participating school received a token of Rs 2,000 per project and a trophy, while students were awarded certificates of participation.

The event was attended by the Minister of Education and Human Resource, Dr Mahend Gungapersad; the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Junior Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mrs Eileen Karen Lee Chin Foo Kune-Bacha; the Junior Minister of Local Government, Mr Mohammad Fawzi Allymun; the Chairman of Mauritius Telecom, Mr Sarat Dutt Lallah; the Chief Executive Officer of Mauritius Telecom, Mr Veemal Gungadin; and other personalities.

In his address, Dr Gungapersad commended the initiative for encouraging young people to reconnect with nature and devise practical responses to environmental challenges. Highlighting Mauritius’ dependence on imports, he likewise underscored the importance of strengthening food security and encouraged schools to provide greater opportunities for students to grow vegetables and engage in sustainable practices.

The Minister also underlined the importance of balancing technological advancement with traditional learning and practical experience. He acknowledged the growing role of artificial intelligence and technology, and emphasised that books, hands-on learning and human interaction remain essential. Moreover, the Education Minister encouraged students to become guardians of nature and uphold values of respect, responsibility and civility.

For his part, Minister Boolell, referring to Mauritius’ status as a Small Island Developing State, stressed the need to foster creativity among the younger generation, particularly in food production, sustainable consumption and the development of local resources. He also encouraged young people to explore opportunities beyond conventional academic and career pathways.

Mr Gungadin reaffirmed the commitment of Mauritius Telecom and the Mauritius Telecom Foundation to supporting initiatives linking education and environmental responsibility. He expressed the hope that the sustainable practices introduced through the projects would continue beyond the three-month programme and be replicated in homes, workplaces and other settings.

The exhibition featured projects in areas such as endemic and medicinal gardens, kitchen gardening, rainwater harvesting, recycling, composting, hydroponic cultivation and sensory gardens.

Participating institutions included Palma SSS, Vacoas SSS, Dr Regis Chaperon SSS, Belle Rose SSS, Sodnac SSS, Phoenix SSS, Bambous SSS (Boys), Dr Maurice Curé State College, Sir Abdool Raman Osman State College, La Gaulette SSS, Seewa Bappoo SSS, Gaetan Raynal State College, Quatre Bornes SSS and Swami Sivananda SSS.

The initiatives, implemented through the schools’ environmental and agricultural clubs, were also supported by the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI).

28 August 2026

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Topics: Education, Youth, Innovation