Joie de Vivre – Educating Underprivileged Youngsters in the South of Mauritius

by Trade Travel | 06 Jun 2018

On a recent tour to Mauritius our Trade Travel Group led by our Trade Travel team members Anna & Serina, were lucky enough to visit The Atelier de Formation Joie de Vivre school. 

This school was opened in 1989 by Sr Maria Luisa Guiterez with the assistance of Mirella Chaton, for the purpose of taking care of youngsters who were wandering around the village, to give them basic education, keep them from the dangers of life on the streets and help them become responsible adults and to provide them the opportunities that we often take for granted.

The school had been operating in old derelict buildings on land belonging to the local parish for more than 20 years. Today a newer style school has been built on a separate plot of land thanks to the support and donations received. As you can imagine continual support is needed to further develop programs and provide these children the opportunities to develop the necessary skills to eventually enter into the workforce as adults.

The young students put on a dance and sung their Anthem for us. Our group then had time to visit the classrooms and facilities with the children following our donations of locally purchased school books, pencils, rubbers, glue and the list goes on. The smiles and appreciation from the volunteers and children was indescribable.

A beautiful and moving experience was had by all at the school of 60 young girls and boys aged between 12 and 18 years. Our group of Probus Club Tours Organisers put it across as a major highlight of their tour, which was apparent when a number walked out with tears in their eyes. In light of their feedback this school visit will now become an inclusion in all our Trade Travel Mauritius programs going forward.

Some passengers within our group have pledged funds towards the school on their return home, that is the kind of impact it had on the group.

The school had just recently lost their photocopy machine as a result of a lightning strike, a massive loss in the scheme of things.

Trade Travel with the help from our groups is looking forward to seeing this school and it’s young students prosper and have a chance to live a normal life in society as a result of our visits, support and donation’s.

For more information on how you can assist or join one of our Mauritius Tours contact Trade Travel 1800 034 439 to speak to Anna or Serina.