Innovative sensitisation programme empowers youth to address discrimination

Equal opportunities and the elimination of discrimination was the focus of a sensitisation programme launched yesterday at the Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium in Réduit.

Organised by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and facilitated by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource, which assisted in coordinating communication with participating schools, the programme brought together approximately 300 students from around twenty secondary schools across different regions of the island. It featured a combination of presentations, artistic performances by students and interactive activities aimed at capturing students’ experiences and perspectives on discrimination.

The initiative was undertaken as part of the Commission’s mandate to promote awareness and education on equal opportunities. It also aimed to explore innovative ways to engage young people on issues of discrimination. The programme sought to encourage reflection among students, foster open-mindedness and instil values that support the eradication of discrimination in Mauritius.

In this context, the programme aimed to actively involve students as participants rather than passive listeners. They were given a platform to express their understanding of discrimination through creative means such as writing and art. The initiative also promoted dialogue and interaction with the Commission. The event further served as a pilot initiative, with the ambition of being replicated on a larger scale across the island to reach a wider audience of students.

The Chairperson of the EOC, Mrs Carolyn Desvaux de Marigny, representatives of the EOC, along with educators and other stakeholders were present for the occasion.

In her keynote address, Mrs Desvaux stated that the sensitisation programme was designed to place students at the centre of the initiative. The objective was to engage them actively on the issue of discrimination and equal opportunities. She highlighted that, rather than relying on traditional lectures, the event encouraged students to reflect and express their understanding through artistic presentations.

She further underlined that the programme provided a platform for young people to share their perspectives, while also enabling the EOC to better understand their lived experiences.

Moreover, the Chairperson emphasised that the initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader mandate to promote equality and eradicate discrimination, particularly among youth on the threshold of entering the labour market. She noted that discrimination, whether overt or subtle, continues to affect individuals in everyday life and can have lasting impacts on confidence and opportunities.

Mrs Desvaux stressed that the event aimed not only to raise awareness, but also to inspire students to adopt inclusive attitudes, challenge stereotypes and contribute actively to building a society based on equal rights and equal chances.

30 April 2026

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Topics: Education