CITY BUZZ EMPOWERING THE NEXT
GEN OF LEADERS!
ISSUE 32 | 2022
IN THIS EDITION: 2022 Editorial team message 2022 JCI City Plus Local President Ben VENKATAKISTNEN's Message 2022 JCI Mauritius National President Yudhish ROHEE's Message 2022 Local President Ashfaaq Ochatoya Message Meet the 2022 Local Board Members Introducing our new members: Aklesh, Ravi and Keshina Introducing our new aspiring members: Patsy, Sabrina, Javish and Bhumesh
Meet and Greet with new members Ile Aux Cerfs Members' Meeting Yes to Sustainability: Clean Up Day with MBN and Workshop at Curtin Mauritius and University of Technology Mauritius Post-Wakashio Slam Session and Planting Session Global Leadership Sprint: Metaverse & Deep Tech Rise Up Business Series: Digital Skills Empowerment & IT Literacy training Training Series: Project Management and Etiquette and Grooming 15th anniversary celebrations: Residential Training Joint Members' Meeting Monkey Pox Awareness Video Extraordinary General Meeting 2022 JCI Mauritius National Convention Birthday announcement (Zabeen) Mental Health TIPS Highlights of our members Save the Dates
Birthday announcement Mental Health TIPS Highlights of our members Save the Dates
EDITORIAL TEAM MESSAGE Dear readers, Welcome to the final newsletter of 2022. JCI City Plus has been busy engaging with the community and our beneficiaries are making good progress. What a delight! Of course, the fun is not forgotten. Read further to discover our members, projects and activities. Thank you to Local President Ben Venkatakistnen for the support and to all those who contributed to bringing you this content. Editorial team: Poojha BISSOON, Zabeen JAREEHAG, Gooshma KISSOONDOYAL, Chrisinta CHAVRIMOOTOO, Kamini RAMJEET, Patsy HOW YIN FAT, Sabrina RASOLONJATOVO
2022 JCI City Plus Local President Ben VENKATAKISTNEN's Message
Dear Readers “Winners don’t do different things, they do things differently”. Shiv Khera Picking up from the above quote, I would tend to say: “Jaycees don’t do different things, they do things differently”. It is with immense pleasure for me to share my message as your Local President in our last newsletter for 2022. As we move to the end of this fantastic year, I would like to congratulate the entire JCI City Plus family for making the organisation shine even brighter in 2022, with a feeling that our organisation’s brotherhood had indeed been revived. Our team building activities at Ile aux Cerfs and 7 Cascades Lodges where we had our 15th anniversary celebrations, are a testimony to it. Our focus was to empower a new Gen of Leaders and our membership has seen an exponential growth this year where we expect 6 more members to swear in before the end of the year bringing the total number of new members who would have joined us in 2022, to 10.
2022 JCI City Plus Local President Ben VENKATAKISTNEN's Message
We also adopted a new Constitution after more than 15 years in existence and I am also proud that JCI City Plus will have its fifth National President next year, in the person of Deputy National President Tasweena Girdhari. On the projects’ front, we successfully managed to host both the National flagship projects which were assigned to us notably the 2022 JCI Mauritius Debate Championship and the 2022 JCI Mauritius Outstanding Young Person (TOYP) for which we received national media coverage. On the local front, we are pulling down the curtains for 2022 where we brilliantly signed off on the Yes to Sustainability project with 150+ students at University of Technology. The ladies of EFOI for the Rise-up Business Series will graduate from their IT course on 19 November and JCI New York City along with our organisation will hold an international forum on 26 November to discuss on the future of the youth. Our long-term Post-Wakashio empowerment project is still on track with the next objective to teach the teenagers how to swim. As I hand over the torch to Local President elect Vanshinee, I am confident that 2023 will see the JCI City Plus family grow further where we shall engage for excellence. Last but not the least, I also wish to convey my gratitude to my Board for their trust and our members, senators and aspiring members for their support for making our organisation shine bright and our editorial team for pulling off this amazing newsletter!
2022 JCI Mauritius National President Message
Dear Readers, It gives me immense pleasure to address you a few words. We have already reached the end of 2022 and I am glad to see the impact created in the community and in the Local Organisation. 2022 has been a wonderful year for JCI City Plus in terms of JCI RISE projects, training, international co-operation and planning for the future of the organisation through the Local Strategic Plan. The Organisation under the leadership of Local President Ben has been dynamic in terms of hosting successfully two national flagships namely the 2022 JCI Mauritius Public Speaking and 2022 JCI Mauritius Top Young Outstanding Award. In 2022, JCI City Plus also featured in the press, radio and national television enhancing its reach to the audience of the country. The Local Organisation was also present on the international radio channel to talk on various topics related to the COVID-19. On behalf of JCI Mauritius, I would like to express my appreciation to the Local Organisation in encouraging its members to take leadership positions whereby many new members gain experience on various projects at the Local Level and the Local Organisation is also well represented on the National Board in 2023.
2022 JCI Mauritius National President Message
JCI City Plus has the potential in being part of the sustainable impact JCI Mauritius can create in the country and I am sure it will continue to grow in creating great leaders. Yours in JCI Spirit, Narotumdass Yudhish Rohee, 2022 National President JCI Mauritius
2022 Local President Ashfaaq Ochatoya Message
I became a member of JCI in 2020. I am an Electrical Engineer who works in the building services industry. My JCI career has progressed from Local Secretary to Local President of JCI Quatre Bornes in 2022. This year has been full of surprises. I am overwhelmed by the opportunity to serve this mandate alongside such an amazing and dynamic board. We have held numerous trainings in order to increase the visibility of my local organization. The Vice President's visit was an honor for us. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank 2022 Local President Ben and all JCI City Plus members for their help. My first national flagship project, the 2021 Debate Championship, taught me a lot. It was an extremely rewarding journey. JCI Quatre Bornes won the competition this year, and I feel very proud and honoured. On behalf of JCI Quatre Bornes, I wish you the best and look forward to strengthening our relationship in the future. Ashfaaq Ochatoya 2022 Local President Beautiful Minds inspire others JCI Quatre Bornes
MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
Local President
Local Secretary
I'doumben (Ben) Naidu VENKATAKISTNEN
Zabeen JAREEHAG
Local Vice President Community Local vice President Development (nominated) Skills Development
Lucia MARIRE
Gooshma KISSOONDOYAL
Local Vice President Business Development
Vanshinee BHIRUGNATH
Immediate Past President
Chrisinta CHAVRIMOOTOO
NEW MEMBERS I am Aklesh Seebooa currently working in the engineering sector. I hold a Bachelor degree in Electronics Engineering and a Master in Business Administration. I am a passionate of adventures, thrill, nature, football, traveling.
What Inspires me?
JCI helps expand our network of friends and business contacts locally and across the globe. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in international conferences.
Newly elected as JCI City Plus 2023 Local Treasurer and currently involved in ‘Yes to sustainability’ project which is about measures to be taken to tackle the problem of electronic waste. It also involves planting where we have a ‘Tree Planting' around citadelle with MBN. I have joined JCI City Plus as I believe it is the right platform to meet like-minded people where people are given the chance to improve their leadership and management skills as well as personal development.
Why volunteering ?
I am looking forward to contribute to the betterment of our island through JCI City Plus and hope to inspire many more young members to join in to the cause. In the long run, I hope I will be able to guide youngsters of today to shape the future of tomorrow.
NEW MEMBERS I am Ravi Soobraydoo, I was recently elected as the JCI City Plus 2023 Local Secretary. Outside my JCI activities, I am a Co-founder, Managing Director, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Secretary, investor, Digital Content Creator with more than 10 years managing people in various international companies before I co-founded mine, Digital Ratz.
What Inspires me?
I was inspired by the JCI mission, since we share the same view on societal issues. Alleviating poverty and creating a sustainable environment is a big part of Digital Ratz CSR activities. I believe in profit sharing, and giving a chance to less fortunate people to thrive.
Why volunteering ?
I was blessed to have the opportunity to manage and work with amazing people from different parts of the world, learning about different cultures and history. I studied Engineering and over the years, I acquired several Postgraduate degrees. My Highest qualification is an Executive MBA from EBS, Paris, France, specialized in communication, I also hold other postgraduate degrees in Strategic Management and Leadership. Further to my post graduate I also hold several qualifications recognised worldwide. My hobbies are Arts, Rugby, Hiking, Gaming, Reading, Poker, writing on business issues, expensive watches, Vinyl, Whisky and other limited item collections.
Volunteering is very important to keep yourself grounded and take a big part in my life. I was fortunate growing up, but not everyone has the same opportunity. I believe that if one's love for mankind is true, he/she shall give back as much as he/she benefits.
NEW MEMBERS I'm Keshina Aurtaram, the Co-founder and creative director of Digital Ratz, Entrepreneur outside of my full-time job. Experienced and passionate Digital Creator. My experiences are but not limited to digital creation, Image Branding, Marketing, 2D and 3D animation, and web design. The Digital world has always intrigued me and am eagerly waiting for web 3.0 and the meta world.
What Inspires me?
I firmly believe in giving back to society, and I believe in the vision and mission of JCI. Digital Ratz emphasizes on Alleviating poverty and creating a sustainable environment. Being part of an international organization for young people to improve the world, is an opportunity to meet and grow with like-minded people.
Elected as JCI City Plus 2023 Local Vice President of PR and Communication. I am constantly on the lookout for the latest trends, hence I believe to be an ideal advisor to promote the image, Ereputation and improve City Plus digital footprint. My Free time activities are singing, cover version recording, painting, Digital Creation, Badminton, Road trip, hiking on the weekends and being a foodie.
Why volunteering ? Our common goal - we created a company that is committed to alleviating poverty and creating a sustainable community. We can reach more people through JCI, to help. On a more personal note, JCI can also help me to improve on my soft skills and improve my networking.
ASPIRING MEMBERS
Meet our aspiring members
I'm Patsy How Yin Fat, an entrepreneur and a social worker. I am now in my last year of Master in International Business at Curtin Mauritius and reside in PortLouis.
WHY JCI CITY PLUS ?
I’m Javish, a curious and adventurous guy willing to get outside my comfort zone. I’m a bit risk-averse, result-oriented, organized and creative. A coffee and exploration enthusiast that loves travelling and discovering different ways of doing things, cultures and traditions.
Patsy: As an entrepreneur and social worker, I know that JCI's trainings and projects will help me to become a better leader and help me in my career. Moreover, it also inspires and gives me the opportunity to network with local and international people around the world.
Javish: I joined JCI City Plus out of curiosity, to know what the organization is about and how they impact society! As an active citizen, I also want to bring my share of contribution to the betterment of society. It also allows me to meet and interact with people I would not normally come across.
ASPIRING MEMBERS
Meet our aspiring members
I'm Sabrina, a master's student in Finance at the University of Mauritius, and an account executive intern. I love helping others as much as I can and I am always eager to learn new things.
WHY JCI CITY PLUS ? WHY JCI CITY PLUS ? I, Bhumesh Lawtan, am a fresh graduate in Human Resources management from Université des Mascareignes. I have previously and currently working in community-based projects and joined JCI City Plus to learn, expand my network and help the community at large.
Sabrina: I have always wanted to be part of an NGO to help others and give back to the community. And JCI City Plus's values and way of working just align with mine. Moreover, the personal development offered by JCI City Plus is just incredible. It allows me to meet new people and increase my network, but also to improve my knowledge and skills through the various projects and trainings.
Bhumesh: I joined JCI City Plus to continue my endeavors in helping the society. Jci City Plus empowers young leaders through its projects, trainings and different activities, and as a young aspiring member I get to learn and contribute more to the community . I hope to serve the society at large with JCI City Plus. Thank you!
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Meet and Greet with Aspiring Members With our goal to empower more youngsters to develop themselves, we had a networking session to explain what JCI is and what areas of opportunity we offer. It has been pure joy to seem them embark on this new journey and take up leadership roles. Special thank you to Senator Yudhish Rama and 2022 JCI Mauritius President Yudhish Rohee. #EmpoweringTheNextGenOfLeaders!
Ile aux Cerfs Members' Meeting
Our most valuable resources at JCI City Plus are our members. Besides formal trainings and self-development projects, to better equip the young generation it is equally important to mould the team spirit in an entertaining manner. We had the fourth members gathering of the year on Ile aux Cerfs with former presidents and the new Gen, as part of our strategic empowerment program. Despite the cold and wind, the Jaycees had their hearts warmed up through innovative team building activities and fun sharing moments.
Our most valuable resources at JCI City Plus are our members. Besides formal trainings and self-development projects to better equip the young generation, it is equally important to mould the team spirit in an entertaining manner. We had the fourth members gathering of the year on Ile aux Cerfs with former presidents and the new Gen, a part of our strategic empowerment program
If former presidents derived great pleasure and honour to share their experiences, present members together with aspiring members voiced out their opinions on ways to increase the visibility of the JCI City Plus family. Altogether, meaningful relationship building infused with trust and smoothing communication lines. The Fun factor was 100% breathed while enhancing our knowledge repertoire of being a proud member of JCI City Plus
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YES TO SUSTAINABILITY!
Clean-up at Citadelle As part of the world cleanup day, we collaborated with MBN - Mauritius to help clean Citadelle and leave a message behind on how we want the world to be a better place for us and for our future generations.
Workshop at Curtin Mauritius A As part of our education campaign, we collaborated with We Recycle for a training on plastic recycling at Curtin Mauritius. Thank you to Trishna and Charlotte from We Recycle and Alisha Hingun from Curtin Mauritius.
YES TO SUSTAINABILITY!
Half-Day Workshop at University of Technology of Mauritius On 4 November, we showcased the efforts of The Good Shop, We Recycle and BEM Recycling, as part of a half-day workshop at UTM, in presence of Dr Hurreeram, Director General and Dr Narrainen, Lecturer. More than 150 students benefitted from this workshop.
Post Wakashio Empowerment Project As part of our efforts to build the next generation of leaders, we organised sessions of slam on the central theme of 'environment' with our kids at Residence La Chaux to improve both their creativity and communication skills. We welcomed Tiroushna Munisamy-Odoye who explained to the kids how to do a slam. In collaboration with SAFIRE, an NGO dedicated in helping children in Mauritius, we also explained to our future leaders of Residence La Chaux, the importance of planting, followed by practical exercises.
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
RISE UP BUSINESS SERIES Rise-up Business Series aims to explain about investment products to secure people's future and also to up-skill and reskill entrepreneurs. We conducted: Digital skills empowerment sessions by Ms Yeeshtdevisingh Hosanee (Anousha) 2022 TOYP Mauritius Top Honouree and Business Analyst at MCB, on Setting up and maintenance of a website for business. Mastering your Social media presence session by Ms Keshina Aurtaram, Creative Director, Digital Ratz. IT Literacy course to women entrepreneurs of Entreprendre au Feminin Ocean Indien (EFOI-Maurice), to upskill on basic IT software. 8 graduates successfully completed the MQA approved IT Training from Venyleos Training centre
Keep an eye out for our upcoming training on personal investment by Anneau and a presentation by Fundkiss to showcase their platform on how investors and borrowers can use it, on 19 Nov 2022.
JOINT MEMBERS' MEETING On 12 August 2022, the JCI Mauritius family had its 2022 Joint Members' Meeting
WE ARE PLEASED TO WELCOME ONBOARD NEW MEMBERS OF JCI CITY PLUS! WISH YOU ALL A LONG AND FRUITFUL JCI JOURNEY WITH US!
Aklesh Seebooa Keshina Aurtaram Ravi Soobraydoo
We also had an insightful presentation by 1994 JCI President Arnaud Godere
DATE
August 2022
COVID 19 & MONKEY POX AWARENESS VIDEO AND RADIO INTERVENTION
Check out our new video on Monkey Pox! We also had interviews on Radio where JCI leaders talked about COVID-19 Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr Kamleshsingh Shadhu and Dr Aisha Azam for their expertise and aspiring member Kamini Ramjeet for her contribution LINK TO VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXaB99xr
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TRAININGS Empowering the Next Gen of Leaders!
Etiquette and Grooming As part of our growth and development program, four important aspects a JCI member needs to master are Project Management, Grooming and Etiquette, Sustainable Leadership in an organisation and Servant Leadership.
Project management
On Sunday, 21 August we were pleased to have two of our past Local Presidents, 2017 Local President Tasweena Girdhari and
2013
Ashveena
Local Mewa
President deliver
the
Senator Project
management and Etiquette and Grooming trainings.
Sustainable Leadership in an organisation and Servant Leadership We
had
two
more
trainings
on
10
September by our past presidents, 2016 Local
President
and
2013
Chimene
Local
Dacruz-Valery
President
Senator
Ashveena Mewa . The trainings focused on Sustainable Leadership in an organisation and Servant Leadership. The objective is to build the next Gen of Leaders.
Stay tuned for our forum on JCI at international level before the year ends.
15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF JCI CITY PLUS Residential training | On September 15th, JCI City Plus celebrated its 15th Anniversary.
For this special event, The JCI City Plus family reunited over a residential weekend at 7 Cascades Restaurant & Lodges. During the weekend the organising team planned special training to empower the next Gen of Leaders on servant leadership and sustainable leadership (see previous article). Team building activities were organised, such as cards puzzle. On the next day, there were exercises including Zumba. This event was also an opportunity to do a meet up and a forum with past presidents to discuss on the strategic planning of the organisation and sharing of experience. The JCI City Plus family was brought together around a table in presence of Past Presidents and 2022 National President Yudhish Rohee. Founder President Veena Langur was asked to do a special speech about how JCI City Plus was created. Champaign toasting, cake cutting and sharing made the event emotional. Together the JCI City Plus family had a memorable 15th Anniversary Celebrations!
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SPRINT (PHASE 2)
A COLLABORATION WITH JCI NEW YORK CITY
In the session "Metaverse - An intro to the Future" Alex from JCI New York City talked about what the Metaverse is and what chances and risks might develop. Dr Heman Mohabeer then gave a thought-provoking presentation about Deep Tech, explaining how technology can help alleviate global challenges, by incorporating ideas from other fields of study.
Extraordinary General Meeting & Special General Meeting held on 9 October 2022 Pleased to share that, have been elected to serve for the 2023 Local Board, effective as of 1 January 2023, under the motto "Engage for Excellence": 2023 Local President: Ms. BHIRUGNATH Vanshinee 2023 Local Secretary: Mr. SOOBRAYDOO Radhakrisnen (Ravi) 2023 Local Treasurer: Mr. SEEBOOA Aklesh 2023 Local Vice-President - Business and Entrepreneurship: Mr. AURTARAM Arvind 2023 Local Vice-President - Community Development: Ms. JAREEHAG Zabeen 2023 Local Vice-President - PR & International: Ms. AURTARAM Keshina 2023 Immediate Past President: Ben Venkatakistnen We also voted on a New Constitution during our Special General Meeting. We ended the meeting on a high note, with amazing dumplings by Misterr Vegas, under Arvind Aurtaram!
2022 JCI MAURITIUS
NATIONAL CONVENTION
JCI City Plus was present at the National Convention, during which the JCI Mauritius family was able to meet. The 2023 National Board was also elected. We are pleased to share that 3 members from JCI City Plus were elected, namely Tasweena Girdhari (National President), Chimene Dacruz-Valery (Vice-President) and Ben Venkastakistnen (National Treasurer). We wish them the best as they transform Passion into Purpose. Your paragraph text Your paragraph text Your paragraph text
Senator Ashveena Mewa and Senator Veena Langur have also been elected as Senate Chairperson and Senate Secretary, respectively. Congratulations!
Other Events at a Glance Neighbourhood Watch at Chamouny In collaboration with the Mauritius Police Force
Attending the 2022 JCI Mauritius Creative Young Entrepreneur Award And meeting His Excellency, the Vice President of Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Boissezon.
Secretariat Clean Up Because a clean second home leads to fresh ideas!
Past President Chimene attending the 2022 World Congress Mental health podcast with 2021 JCI South Africa National President Silindile Mbaza, hosted by Local Vice President Lucia Marire
Highlights of our members
Deputy National President Tasweena Girdhari
For graduating from the JCI Japan Academy
Senator Antee (Ashveena) Mewa For being interviewed on MBC https://youtu.be/gbni4YzOqJ c
H A
P
Y
P
Birthday - July - October
AKLESH SEEBOOA MEMBER
GOOSHMA KISSOONDOYAL 2022 LOCAL VICE PRESIDENT SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENY
VARSHA BOODHOO MEMBER
ALISHA HINGUN MEMBER
CHRISINTA CHAVRIMOOTOO 2021 LOCAL PRESIDENT
H P
A
P
Y
Birthday - July - October
ROUMESH OOMAH SENATOR & 2018 NATIONAL PRESIDENT
USHA BEEHARRY SENATOR
VEENA LANGUR SENATOR & 2008 LOCAL PRESIDENT
JESSEN SOOBRAYEN SENATOR & 2010 LOCAL PRESIDENT
SHEIVI SERVANSINGH MEMBER
to be mentally strong In leadership, there are times when you need to be mentally tough to navigate through complex information. In those times you need to be mentally strong. That means managing your emotions, adjusting your thinking, and choosing Exercise Focus on to take positive action your mind the whatever your moment Just like your circumstances. muscles, your Focus your mind needs to be energy on the exercised to gain strength. Mental present strength is built moment; don’t through lots of lose what is small wins, right before maintained through the you. When you choices we make focus on the every day. To moment you gain stamina, come to realize take on a daily task that where you have stretches your the most mental power endurance. Be mindful to make things Mindfulness means taking control of your right. focus and being intentional about what you give your attention to. Whether it’s an emotion, a thought, a belief, an impulse, or something in the environment, mindfulness calls us to approaching everything with a curious, nonjudgmental, open, and accepting attitude.
SAVE THE DATES JCI President Argenis Angulo Visit
19-21 Nov
Rise-up Business Graduation ceremony
19 Nov
Post-wakashio swimming session
mid-Nov
JCI City Plus Fundraising
2 Dec
JCI Active Citizens' Day
11 Dec
Local President's Ben recognition and Christmas celebrations
"Good things are up ahead."
mid-Dec
How to join our organisation: Adress: 53 B, Avenue des Goyaviers, Quatre Bornes Check our updates on: Website: www.jcicityplus.org
JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a network of young active citizens aged 18-40 years old, with more than 160,000 active JCI members and millions of JCI alumni participating in projects, meetings, learning programs and events. JCI members contribute to the advancement of the global community by creating positive changes in approximately 6,000 communities in more than 115 nations worldwide.
Why become a member?
Facebook: facebook.com/jcicityplus Email: jcicityplus@gmail.com Instagram:
What is JCI?
@jci_city_plus
Youtube: @jci city plus Linkedin: JCI City Plus
JCI City Plus is a branch of JCI Mauritius and a registered NGO. Contact us to become an aspiring member-it is a free trial period of 3-6 months during which you get to work on various projects, including community projects which aim to fulfil the Global Goals, attend legendary parties as well as develop your leadership skills though various skills development trainings. Members of the local organisation meet every last Wednesday of the month in the Conference room, Flying Dodo, Bagatelle.
2022 Motto: Empowering the Next Gen of Leaders! 2022 Local President: Ben Naidu Venkatakistnen
Thank you!
OUR PARTNERS WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE
Multikom Ltd