Mauritius

This year Aspen Global engaged in an activity that would positively impact the lives of some 150 families who live in the small village of Anoska, situated in the suburbs of Curepipe. The residents of this village experience extreme poverty and are in desperate need of support.

In order to provide an enhanced environment for the children, a neglected area of the village was converted into a multi-purpose playground. A wall was built around the playground to offer security, the area was laid with asphalt and a court was constructed where the older children could play Petanque, a local favoured game. A shelter was also erected and the children celebrated the opening of the facility by drawing Mandela paintings and themes on the walls.

The playground was officially inaugurated on 16 July by Samer Kassem, CEO of AGI and the Honorable Mrs Aurore Perraut, Minister of Gender Equality & Child Development & Family Welfare. The SA High Commissioner H.E. Dr Nomvuyo N. Nokwe and other dignitaries also marked their presence at the event. In response, the children performed several African songs and dances for those present.

Personnel from the NGO Ti Rayons Soleil taught the children about Mandela, his vision, values and ideology in the period leading up to the celebrations. The event concluded with an interactive drumming session comprising 200 guests. The African themed music caused much excitement among the children who graciously accepted goodie bags and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

About 150 Aspen employees made generous donations of food stuffs, household items, books, clothes, shoes and blankets to these families in need. The team was deeply touched by the gratitude and delight of the children and their families and they left Anoska with the knowledge that they too had made a meaningful difference on Mandela Day.