JCI City Plus City Buzz- Issue 21-April 2019

ISSUE 21 - EDITION 1-APRIL 2019

CITY BUZZ The Official Newsletter of JCI City Plus

Movement of Young Leaders Shaping the Future of Mauritius

Editor-in-Chief Message Dear Readers of City Buzz,

Warm Greetings.

The first quarter of 2019 has been busy! JCI City Plus hosted the 2019 JCI Mauritius National Public Speaking Championship directed by Alisha Hingun, a guided meditation session with Kay Dahall and a debate skills training by Vimi Appadoo. Vanisha Rajaysur also led the 'I am Differently Abled' project. We would like to acknowledge the hard work put in by our members and partners. Well done!

This newsletter also contains articles and testimonials from our members, Senators and aspiring members.

Finally, we have included a list of upcoming events and projects at JCI City Plus and other local organisations. I wish you a pleasant reading.

CONTACT US JCI CIty Plus [NGO Reg No 10584] 53 B, Avenue des Goyaviers, Quatre Bornes Website: www.jcicityplus.org Social Media: facebook.com/jcicityplus Phone: 52594242/57015152 2019 Motto: Together for One World 2019 Local President: Geetanjali Ramkishore Editor-in-Chief: Chrisinta Chavrimootoo Join our organisation: jcicityplus@gmail.com or geetanjali.ramkishore@gmail.com

Chrisinta Chavrimootoo, Editor-in-Chief.

Table of Contents

Page 1: Message from City Buzz Newsletter Editor-in-Chief Page 3-4: Message from 2019 JCI City Plus Local President, Geetanjali Ramkishore Page 5-6: Message from 2019 JCI Mauritius National President, Heveen Sharma Keijou Page 7-9: Message from 2019 JCI Mauritius Senate Chairperson, Nousrina Peerbux Page 10-11: Message from 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference COC Director, Lokhesh Ujhooda Page 12-13: Message from 2019 JCI National Vice President, Yudhish Rohee Page 14: Message from Immediate Past President, Pavan Gopal Page 15-16: Meet your 2019 Local Board of Directors Page 17: Bonus: the best JCI memories of your Board of Directors Page 18-21: Two Senators, Two Styles Page 22-23: New Members' Corner Page 24-25: Aspiring Members' Corner Page 26: Guided Meditation Workshpo Page 27-31: Special Spread on 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference Page 32: Local Officers and National Officers' Training Page 33-35: I am Differently Abled' Community project Page 36-37: 2019 JCI Mauritius Public Speaking Championship Page 38: Debate Skills training Page 39: Bonus: Top debating tips Page 40: Creation of New Local Organisation Page 41-42: Other highlights Page 43: Upcoming projects/Save the Dates Page 44: About JCI Page 45: Our partners

2019 Local President's Message Dear Readers, It is a privilege to share with you my experience of taking the first footsteps into the shoes of the 12th President of JCI City Plus.

I gauged that the job of the Local President would be challenging but I would not have guessed that JCI would take so much of my time, energy and competence.

Yet, I stand firm by my commitment.

Through the smiles of my close collaborators, board members, members and aspiring members, I have pledged to be a member for the members and made myself always available to help create development opportunities for our motivated members.

In this first quarter, we have realised a ‘’Guided Meditation’’ course by Kay Dahall to keep our members zen and organised a training on Debating Skills and Public Speaking Skills. We have also promoted social integration of differently abled children through the second edition of the ‘’I am differently abled’’ project. We have also successfully hosted the 2019 JCI Mauritius Public Speaking Championship with the support of our partner, Curtin University. JCI City Plus in collaboration with JCI Mauritius and the other 4 local organisations has organised a Peace Forum on 30th March 2019 in order to promote peace.

I would like to seize the opportunity to thank the Project Directors, namely, Anishah Aujayeb-Gopal, Alisha Hingun and Vanisha Rajaysur as well as the project supervisors and project team members.

2019 Local President's Message This year, JCI City Plus will lay strong focus on growth in line with our international objective of growing the number of members in Africa and Middle East region to 1800 members by 2020. Our Growth and Retention Director Ashveena Mewa has organised a first corporate recruitment session at GPO Limited in Ebene. I will encourage our members to join the team to help fulfil one of our most important objectives: 30% growth.

The 2019 Africa and Middle East Conference is only a few weeks away and I encourage our members to register for the conference to experience this unique and magical JCI international experience at home.

Our efficiency programme and KPI for our board members, members and aspiring members will be released soon and we encourage our members to participate and attend activities, events and meetings as this will impact on your KPI points.

Together for One World, JCI City Plus will create positive impact.

2019 National President's Message Dear JCI City Plus Members Greetings It gives me immense pleasure to address you as 2019 JCI Mauritius National President for the first newsletter of JCI City Plus for 2019.

This year is an ambitious one for your local organization with a plan of action well shaped and well planned. This shows the dedication your local organization has towards providing development opportunities for its members.

JCI City Plus has shown its great capabilities by creating a new Local Organization. This amazing project indeed has shown the dedication JCI City Plus has toward the growth of JCI Mauritius. A new Local Organization in a new community with new groups of members and is the perfect way to create positive change in that community. It is a great initiative that I really appreciate This year is an exceptional one for JCI Mauritius. On 1 to 4 May 2019, JCI Mauritius will welcome 300 delegates from all around the world to the 2019 JCI Africa & The Middle East Conference. This conference will provide countless development opportunities for the members of JCI City Plus..

2019 National President's Message One of the biggest development opportunities that JCI City Plus is giving to its members is the collaboration with Indian Ocean Commission on the project “Women & Entrepreneurship”. This impactful project which will take place during the conference, will certainly provide development opportunities not only to JCI Mauritius members, but to members from all around the world.

I highly encourage all members and Senators to register for the conference and be part of this amazing adventure. This conference is back in Mauritius after 20 years. We do not know when the next one will come. The conference, with its theme “Business & Sustainable Development”, will provide a platform for JCI members to explore the opportunities in our island, as Mauritius is well positioned as the gateway for Africa and Asia for business.

So, members and Senators, be part of the COC Team to create the most successful and amazing conference for 2019.

Let's be together as One World.

Let's be more ambitious and let’s Rise in Harmony.

Yours in JCI Spirit Heveen Sharma KEJIOU

2019 JCI Mauritius Senate Chairperson's Message Dear Readers, “People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do. Words will be words, until you bring them to life… ” A peppy spirit with which JCI Mauritius Senate has stepped into 2019 and a vibe we would like to encourage all of you to feel, while taking responsibilities this year.

We have started 2019 with a pleasant first senate meet, Senators in Summer at Senator Francis’ residence, a casual BBQ party encouraging bonding and friendship among senators. We have seized this opportunity to motivate Senators to register for the event. Our second Senate meet was held during the visit of the JCI Executive Vice President Oumar and kept the same focus around the preparation of the incoming conference while we were welcoming the Chairperson of the event. After all, the first quarter of this year is highly concentrated on the different aspects of the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East conference.

Besides the Senate meets, we were delighted to note that JCI Mauritius Senators have been quite energetic for the past three months. They have attended the activities of their respective Local Organisations and have seized the opportunity to mingle with members at the JCI Mauritius Joint Members Meeting and the JCI Executive Vice President’s banquet. We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to them and to the fantastic Senators who have responded positively to the requests of their Local Organisations and/or of JCI Mauritius, for trainings, motivational sessions, project guidance and meetings facilitation with high profile partners, among others. We are thrilled to see that doors are being knocked and answered.

2019 JCI Mauritius Senate Chairperson's Message

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try! We seize this opportunity to congratulate the following JCI Senators who have recently been recognised based on their professional achievements: · Senator Heymant Sonoo , elected as President of the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate 2018-2019 · Senator Philip Ah Chuen, appointed as Chairman of the Utility Regulatory Authority · Senator Eric Ng, for his new book - Maurice la cigale · Senator Marday Venkatasamy, receiving the order of merit of the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK) · Senator Bruneau Woomed, nominated as ambassador for the Rise & Shine campaign · Senator Kiran Bhujun, Winner of the Professional Achievement Award- UK Alumni Award

2019 JCI Mauritius Senate Chairperson's Message Propelled by positive vibes, we are stepping into the second quarter of the year, immensely taken by the supervision of the Senate programme during the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East conference. The programme has almost been finalised and a few interesting communications about same should appear in April. 2019 remains for all of us “the year of the conference� and calls for the commitment of all members and senators. This is an exceptional opportunity and we have to consider every sacrifice and every effort as exceptional.

On another note, the Good Governance award, a JCI Mauritius Senate initiative to promote transparency and accountability at Local Level, is still present this year, with same criteria as in 2018.On an ending note, thank you JCI City Plus Local President and Local Board members for offering us the opportunity to spread Senate news in JCI City Plus newsletter.

Together for One World is a strong motto and an opportunity to show how collective action can generate wonders. Allow me to take a moment to also thank all Senators from JCI City Plus for their unfailing and wonderful support to JCI Mauritius Senate.

The past cannot be changed, the future is yet in your power!

Yours in JCI Spirit, Nousrina Peerbux 2019 JCI AMESA Chairperson 2019 JCI Mauritius Senate Chairperson

2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference-Message from COC Director Dear JCI Mauritius members,

Greetings from the Conference Organising Committee.

We are only a few weeks before the conference and as expected things are getting busier by the day. The Conference Organising Committee is at all times in a balancing act between our budget, partners and expectations.

I can remember the day we won the bid in Tunisia like it was yesterday even though we have now toiled for 2 years already. There were many hard decisions that had to be made along the way and it is only after the conference that we will know if they were the right ones. There were many sacrifices that the team had to make that will go unnoticed to the eyes of outsiders.

If there is one thing that I regret in all of this; it is the number of registrations from JCI Mauritius. We could be a minority at our own conference. I would like to thank everyone who has the helped us so far and all those who have registered.

2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference-Message from COC Director At this point I can only hope that the conference will live up to and even exceed the standard set by JCI Mauritius at international level.

As COC Director I am grateful for the development opportunities that this has brought me so far. It is a humbling experience that can be described as quoted famously: “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning With thanks & kind regards, Lokhesh Ujhoodha 2019 JCI Africa and The Middle East Conference Organising Committee Director

Message from 2019 JCI National Vice President

Dear Readers, It is with immense pleasure that I am conveying you this message from the 2019 National ACF Project Committee of JCI Mauritius.

This year, the JCI Mauritius National Board under the leadership of the 2019 JCI Mauritius National President Heveen Sharma Kejiou has initiated a ‘National ACF Project’. This project is based on the outcome of the needs analysis conducted by JCI Curepipe in 2016 termed as – Combating Drug Abuse.

Drug Abuse is mentioned to be the number one social problem in Mauritius as per the analysis conducted by TNS Analysis. To combat this social ill, the most appropriate method is implementing the worldwide strategy which is the ‘neighbourhood watch’. Neighbourhood Watch has been implemented successfully in Mauritius in various locations whereby drugs and other crime reported cases (domestic violence, thefts, etc) have seen a sharp decline.

Our main partner in this project is the Mauritius Police Force; notably the Crime Prevention Unit. It is with their support and under the leadership of the Woman Police Imspector, Mrs. Padma Bhugobaun that we have targeted to implement the ‘neighbourhood watch’ concept in various locations of Mauritius with the support of the local organisations.

JCI City Plus has been very active and supporting in welcoming this strategy under the leadership of the Local President Geetanjali Ramkishore and the project director Vanisha Rajasur. They have already identified a location – Candos; whereby we shall be conducting the neighborhood watch presentation with the communities on Friday 19th April 2019.

We look forward to work in close collaboration with the 5 local organisations to implement the targeted 15 ‘neighbourhood watch’ this year; 3 per local organization. We thank JCI City Plus in supporting us in creating a lasting positive impact in the society.

Regards, Narotum Dass Rohee (Yudhish)

Message from Immediate Past President Dear Members, JCI City Plus has grown from strength to strength, from president to president, into the largest local organisation of JCI Mauritius. The organisation has been active since its inception in 2008 and has a track record of achievements. The secret of this success lies in the ability to pass down valuable knowledge and an effective succession planning. JCI City Plus is a strong proponent of the kaizen philosophy: every president builds on the foundation stones of their predecessors and continually improves on the management system.

As Immediate Past President, I focused on 3 aspects for an effective handing over process: The first step was to coach the incoming board members and duplicate responsibilities during 4th quarter of the year. The second step was a transfer of knowledge and resources and the final step is to be available for advice and support to the new board members. A genetic email address for the secretary and one for the Vice President Public Relations is as essential as common Google drive accounts for continuity.

I strongly encourage a debrief lunch with long standing partners for local flagship projects and introduce the partners to the next edition's project director who should be identified from the project team. This strategy has proved to be highly effective for the ABC of stock exchange programme, in its 5th edition this year.

Sooner than later it'll be time for that first step of handing over and I hope you'd have achieved enough by then for you to be proud of the legacy left behind.

I wish Local President Geetanjali and 2019 board members a successful year in achieving positive grassroot level impact together for that one world we live in and more importantly a successful succession planning.

Pavan Gopal

Meet your 2019 Local Board of Directors Name: Geetanjali Ramkishore Post: Local President Date of Swearing in: April 2015

Name: Pavan Gopal Post: Immediate Past President Date of Swearing in: December 2014

Name: Vijayen Govinden Post: Local Secretary Date of Swearing in: October 2015

Name: Nitin Collappen Post: Local Treasurer Date of Swearing in: April 2015

Name: Alisha Hingun Post: Vice President Skills and Development Date of Swearing in: December 2016

Name: Vanisha Rajaysur Post: Vice President Community Development Date of Swearing in: April 2016

Name: Jevina Comaren Post: Vice President Business Date of Swearing in: September 2016

Name: Chrisinta Chavrimootoo Post: Vice President Public Relations and International Date of Swearing in: June 2018

BONUS: the best JCI memories of the local board of directors "2015 The Outstanding Young Person (TOYP) Awards Night" Vijayen Goviden "Winning the Most Outstanding Member Award on 11 December 2018" Vanisha Rajaysur "2016 JCI Africa & Middle East Conference in Johannesburg" Geetanjali Ramkishore "National Debate Championship 2016. It was incredible to win as a team but also as best speaker.

The journey involved selfdevelopment opportunities and bonding between members."

Jevina Comaren

"Memories are still being created, but it is the organisation of the biggest youth conference, AMEC (read the special spread in this newsletter!) " Chrisinta Chavrimootoo "JCI World Congress in Amsterdam 2017 - whatever happened in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam! " Pavan Gopal "2018 JCI Mauritius TOYP. The feeling of accomplishment and the amazing relationships we created with people were totally worth it!"

Alisha Hingun "Being part of the Aret Violence on the ground campaign" Nitin Collappen

Two Senators, Two Styles: Ashveena Mewa and Usha Callikan 1) A Senatorship is always a nice surprise for the recipients.

Tell us about how you felt.

Senator Usha: No doubt it came as a very nice surprise. I was deeply humbled and honoured to be conferred a JCI Senatorship. My commitment and contribution to the organisation have been recognised. Heartfelt thanks to JCI City Plus.

Senator Ashveena: When I joined JCI in 2009 I joined for Community projects.I never knew that I would take different leadership positions or that I would be Senator one day.

Like we always say in JCI, hard work pays off . Words are not enough to express how I felt.

It was in fact a great moment of gratitude and happiness and I'm forever grateful to people who contributed in making this happen : Senators Jessen Soobrayen, Veena Langur , Bruneau Woomed, Prashant Lallah and member Veenandi Lallah for introducing me to JCI. I'm also grateful to JCI City Plus for always believing in me and valuing my contribution.

Two Senators, Two Styles: Ashveena Mewa and Usha Callikan 2) What have been the highlights of your JCI career?

Senator Usha: My JCI career has been an enriching one I must say. The first opportunity to form part of the local board knocked on my door in 2011 for the post of Local Vice President.

I seized every occasion that came across my way and this led me to serve the organisation in different posts namely as Director for Business in 2012, Local Vice President in 2013 and Membership Director in 2015., each time urging me to Be Better. Then in 2016, the opportunity to serve JCI Mauritius on the national board arose. I served as National Treasurer. I then became Executive Assistant to National President in 2017. And for 2019, I have been appointed as Mentorship Director for JCI City Plus.

I was lucky to experience the ‘I’ of JCI by attending the 2014 JCI World Congress in Germany and the 2016 JCI Africa and Middle East Conference in South Africa. The brotherhood experienced in both conferences is beyond words.

Last but not least, JCI City Plus Awards and JCI Mauritius Awards!

It is an immense pleasure to be recognised and honoured for one's achievement in the organisation. Being awarded JCI City Plus Best Member JCI Mauritius Most Outstanding New Member, JCI Mauritius Most Outstanding Member and Best National Board Member as well as winning awards for the projects worked on, have fueled my dedication to the organisation.

Two Senators, Two Styles: Ashveena Mewa and Usha Callikan 2) What have been the highlights of your JCI career?

Senator Ashveena: Since I joined I have to say that I have experienced great friendship and met amazing people ! In a few words, the highlights would be : * Attending the World Congresses in Leipzig (2014), Quebec (2016) and Amsterdam (2017) *Attending the National Congress in Cannes (2015) * Conducting training for Jeune Chambre Economique Française in RÊunion Island in 2018 *Being awarded the 2013 Most Outstanding Local President *Being awarded the 2010 Best Board Member 3) What advice would you give to members to make the most of their time at JCI? Senator Usha: My advice to the members would be to be committed to the mission and vision of JCI, to get involved in activities and projects with their heart and to seize every opportunity that JCI presents to them and to learn and grow from these experiences. JCI is a school of life.

Senator Ashveena: After nearly 10 years in JCI, my advice to the young members would be to always do their best , take leadership positions because this is how they will learn and grow and do not take comments personally.

It is also important to participate in International events so that they meet members across the world and share best practices and experiences.

Moreover, I would advise the members to give their time and energy to JCI without expectations...things will come to them at the right time !

Two Senators, Two Styles: Ashveena Mewa and Usha Callikan And one last thing would be to remember : family comes first, work comes second and then JCI. 4) How do you envisage your role as a Senator now?

Senator Usha: I will keep providing support and helping the organisation to the best of my ability. Let’s see where this new exciting adventure as a Senator will lead to.

Senator Ashveena: As Senator, I will be always here to groom and mentor members. Also, as I am a JCI Trainer and I am into training since 9 years now, I would be happy to conduct trainings for JCI and share my experience.

My advice to actual Presidents and incoming Presidents would be to seek Senators' advice whenever they need because they are always here to help and guide.

New Members' Corner Congratulations to our new members! May they have a long and fruitful JCI career.

Vreeshini Raojee, Ismael Goolfee and Preshan Kissondoyal swore in during the JCI Active Citizens Day on 11 December 2019

Sheivi Servansingh swore in during the Banquet dinner in honour of 2019 JCI Executive Vice President, Oumar Ouedraogo in February 2019

New Members' Corner Meet Ismael Goolfee

Hello My Name is Ismael Goolfee and I work at PwC. I am someone who likes to live in the present and who is very friendly . I love globe trotting and discovering new cities with different cultures. I am also a food enthusiast and book lover.

The reason I joined JCI is to make an impact in our society . I believe that with the JCI family we can tackle various problems that are affecting our society. JCI is also a great place to extend your network and develop your skills.

Aspiring Members' Corner Meet Saahir

ACKBURALLY Muammar Saahir

1.

Why did you join JCI City Plus?

My determination to alleviate the suffering of people affected by social deprivation moulded me into a full-fledge asset citizen who serve different organisations, namely the Muslim Citizen Council, the United Nation Association of Mauritius, Youthink and the Port Louis Regional Youth Council.

This passion to engage in the social sector made me join JCI City Plus, which is uncontestably contributing to the advancement of the local community.

Inspired by the experience of the JCI City Plus alumni who have succeeded in the various facets of life, I found it an ideal platform to improve myself by being creative, developing new skills, laying new foundations, establishing new friendships and building national & international networks.

2. What projects are you working on / would like to work on?

I have actually expressed my interest to work on the ‘ABC of Stock Exchange Investment’ project which I consider an opportunity for people seeking to economic growth opportunities. I would like to work on an environmental project as it is the best gratitude we can show to the world and which will not only benefit human beings, but all living things.

Aspiring Members I am Loveneesh Beedasy, 33 years old. I am a Jurist by profession and presently occupying the post of Legal Officer at the Mauritius Telecom Ltd. I have a long experience from working as a clerk in the Law Chamber till I held the post of responsibility as Chamber Manager.

That was a great experience. I also worked as a legal consultant for offshore companies.

I joined JCI earlier this year to create more impact in the society. I am also a member of other NGOs and have been regularly active at the social level.

I am Naheeda Suddoo, and currently I am working as a registered professional civil engineer in the private sector. I am joining JCI so as to give back a small contribution as a citizen, to my country. The activities such as environmental cleaning campaigns and other social events are interesting and provide great incentives to us, the young generation to understand better the whole idea of sustainable progress. I look forward to more activities within JCI.

Guided Meditation Workshop with Kay Dahall

“Let silence be the art that you practice.” - Rumi As I sat, cross-legged and barefoot in the damp grass of a beautiful garden, with strangers I could barely have thought of meeting one day, I realized that I never felt so peaceful in my entire life. The morning sun gently bathed us in its warm rays and in the distance, a majestic mountain range stood gracefully. Nobody was saying a word. Yet I felt connected to all of them. Such a weird feeling, I thought. It was then, in the silence of my mind, that I felt the depth of my own being.

Two years back, and I still feel the same way, each time I meditate. I did not know it at that time, but as time went by, I started thinking that I needed to share that experience with people I know and care about.

The initiation to “Meditation through a Guided Session with Kay Dahall” aimed to give everyone the skills to master their life better. On 29th January 2019 at 18:00-19:30, in the amazing villa in Moka, members sat on the porch with Kay as she guided them in the first session of meditation. Everyone was so relaxed after this first session and some members actually decided to practice it more regularly as a way to fight stress and manage their projects.

Special Spread on the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference: Events Committee Asha Auckloo, the 2019 JCI Africa and Middle East Conference Events Director tells us about her experience as Director and what to expect at the Coneference.

Now that we are at the doorstep of the conference, JCI Mauritius and JCI family around the world are preparing to live this unique experience. Serving in view of honoring the commitment I took personally in 2017 in front of the JCI Bid Evaluation committee as National President, I am having the opportunity to work with a team of dynamic and motivated active citizens of our organisation.

Expectations are enormous as previous conferences held in Mauritius have always been successful, but as Events Team Committee Director together with the Conference Organizing Team we promise to give each and every delegate a unique Mauritian Experience. Mauritian Hospitality from the JCI Official Programmes and trainings, to COC programmes such as Collaboration with Indian Ocean Commission , Dale Carnegie Mauritius, our impactful panel of speakers on Business and Sustainable Development to the protocol opening ceremony, opening concert to the Patriotic night where we will be having the ‘Best Booth Competition’ and performances from different countries, trip to experience Mauritian culture during the Mauritian night and promising to be together as JCI family through Gala/Awards night till we meet again around the world, JCI Mauritius and the Conference Organising team are working towards achieving these set objectives.

Special Spread on the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference: Events Committee It is indeed a unique experience to be part of the making of the Conference. We have come a long way and now few weeks to the conference we can only pull our forces together and focus on our strength …….I would say it is never too late to join in the team and we will never be too many to serve our organisation.

On an ending note, I wish to thank JCI for this development opportunity given to me, we learn and grow to achieve a goal and our goal is ‘The 2019 JCI Africa and Middle East Area conference’ but our journey towards that destination has been a learning path with challenges, crisis, fun times, sleepless nights and great memories . In few weeks we will be adding another amazing chapter to the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference, I look forward to see you all in the next chapter and invite you to #Createyourmoment.

#Createyourmoment #2019JCIAMEC

Collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission Jevina Comaren, Local Vice President Business and Project Director tells us about the exciting collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission, who is a Gold Sponsor for the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Area Conference.

JCI City Plus is collaborating with the Indian Ocean Commission to organize a workshop around the theme of ‘’ Circular Economy’’ and ‘’ Ocean economy’’; whereby the economic and ecological goals of the Commission will be promoted.

This initiative is centred on the ocean economy degradation and remedial actions to be urged. Sustainability of the blue economy is at heart of the project. The collaboration, thereby, aims to sensitize on current trends that impact biodiversity, but also how to galvanize people to become eco-friendly consumers and derive entrepreneurship opportunities targeted towards alleviation of harmful practices towards biodiversity.

In a nutshell, the aim of our co-operation with IOC is to advocate for a mind-set shift towards the theme of our conference: Business for Sustainable Development. Our incentive seeks to encourage a regenerative approach, by promoting an economic system striving towards waste minimisation and optimization of resources.

Special Spread on the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference: Insight from the Secretary General As Secretary General of the 2019 JCI Africa & The Middle East Conference which will be held from the 1st to 4th May 2019, the journey to getting here has been a rollercoaster. There have been a lot of ups and downs over the past two years during which the team and myself have sacrificed a lot of things: from work commitments to family time.

However, it has been an exceptional journey which I do not regret undertaking. As Secretary General, I was expected to have eyes and ears on everything and this was certainly the biggest challenge in this endeavor. We have different sub-committees and over 40 members working with the core team. Another challenge which we all encountered is certainly the sacrifices we all had to make to make this conference happen.

On a personal note, I had to deal with the exigencies of being a new mother and resuming work after the birth, alongside organizing the conference. Being part of the core team has been an incredible experience despite the challenges and hurdles for I have learnt the true meaning of perseverance and commitment. I hence look forward to welcoming you all in two weeks’ time at the conference!

-Anishah Aujayeb-Gopal Secretary General, 2019 JCI Africa & The Middle East Conference Organising Committee

Special Spread on the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference: Insight from the Partnership Director Dear readers I feel honoured to have the opportunity to contribute towards the success of the conference of a decade. The 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East conference will see 400 delegates from over 40 countries come together in one resort to create a magical experience. The painstaking work done over 2 years by the conference organising committee directors has been nothing short of remarkable considering its all unremunerated work.

My journey as Partnership director has been a rich one of developing my negotiation skills and networking, to building partner trust and finding the win-win scenario. It all starts with a good project brief clearly articulated and a true interest in offering value to potential partners.

JCI City Plus has been a great support in making the conference one to look forward to. Backing the conference with several coc directors, a good number of registered participants, generous subsidies and directing a suitability geared project on behalf of coc, JCI City Plus has definitely responded to the call.

Pavan Gopal

Local Officers and National Officers Training

Held on 1-2 February 2019 at Check-In Café, Ebène We were lucky to have amazing trainers, namely: 1994 World President Arnaud Godère Senator Aruna Pulton on skills for leaders Senator Yudhishthir Rao Rama, JCI Admin course Ismael Essackjee, Effective Communication Skills Senator Nousrina Peerbux and 2019 National Secretary Philippe Chang-Ko on branding and marketing Senator Asha Aukloo on Planning Senator Roumesh Oomah on his experience as 2018 National President

'I am Differently Abled' Project Read about the inspriring story of the project.

By Project Director and Local Vice President Community Development – Vanisha Rajaysur The passion for helping disabled people originates from my previous job whereby my assistant was a person suffering from rheumatoid Arthritis. He was partly handicapped and yet he managed to follow his studies. I was very amazed with his performance and he sometimes reminded me that no one helps them and guide them. They have to stand on their own feet to be professionally good. These words shook me up. When I glanced at the JCI ACF Framework, I found that not much was done towards the empowerment of disabled children and I really wanted to do something different from the other projects. I believed that such people have great potential but they were like rough diamonds which needed to be polished to shine bright. Since 2018, I took the lead to serve as the project director and along with a fantastic qnd passionate team of JCI City Plus members and aspiring members, we named the project “I am differently abled” – which aims at working towards SDG 4 (Quality Education) & SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities).

'I am Differently Abled' Project

As project director, I wanted to go to a very remote area where JCI Members would go out of their comfort zone and prove themselves as true active citizens and future leaders. After several searches, we came to know about “Angel Special School and Welfare Association” at Riviere Des Anguilles, which is managed by Mrs Sokappadu. This school is a specialized school for disabled children and adults who suffer from medical problems like deafness, down syndrome, learning & visual difficulties and those having physical handicaps. With the help of Multikom Ltd, Mr Shirish, our main sponsor who shared the same vision as us, we were able to organize our first event on the 20th of October 2018 through a recreative activity for the 50 children of the school. The main activities that took place were drawing, painting, musical chair, dancing and singing.

It was a real fun moment whereby the JCI members clicked with those children to create a sense of oneness. We wanted the children to trust themselves and to understand that they are essential in life. As such, at the end of the first event, all the 50 children were given a gold medal labelled “Winner in Life”. The first event was highly appreciated by the members of the public and even the press, whereby a journalist of Le Mauricien published an article of the event, reaching more than 200,000 people about this noble cause.

'I am Differently Abled' Project

The project was so much in the heart of JCI Members that in 2019, we decided to continue the project, but this time to pursue another vision which would benefit the adolescents and the young adults of the school. On the 16th of March 2019, we organized our 2nd event which was a workshop for the young differently abled people called “Nu la pu twa”. This project catered mostly for the development of professional skills to allow the students to become ready to join the world of work. Despite their disability, they are so willing to enter the world of work but in order to do so, they highly need to have the proper guidance and skills. With the help of one of the members of JCI City Plus, Mr Atish Bagolah, who is also a meta coach in his professional life, we decided to give a helping hand. More than 15 students were trained on communication skills and a certificate of participation was remitted to them at the end of the event. The team aspires to continue its work in other targeted remote areas of the south – like Case Noyale and Surinam. So far the project has garnered success because we believe in simplicity and efficiency to create impact.

“Life’s most urgent question: What are you doing for others?” –Martin Luther King Jr.

2019 JCI Mauritius Public Speaking Championship JCI City Plus hosted the 2019 JCI Mauritius National Public Speaking Championship on Saturday 30th March 2019 at the Charles Telfair Campus.

Our official partner was Curtin Mauritius and they supported us greatly on the logistics and venue. Some Curtin students were selected to participate in the first phase of the competition as well and we awarded students a special award through the outstanding performance of one Curtin student, Mr. Sheik Ahmad Bamba Khadir. The official winner from JCI Mauritius is Mr. Faizal Sheik Chan.

Members of the jury panel consisted of professionals from the industry and Curtin Lecturers, in the name of Mr. Abdallah Gollamalee and Miss Nabhila Sheik Hossen. Prior to the event, on Saturday 23rd March 2019, Curtin Mauritius offered an official training session to all candidates on Public Speaking by our trainer Miss Mylène Biquette.

2019 JCI Mauritius Public Speaking Championship "JCI brings out the best in people, or this is what I like to think. Beyond the politics of any organization, there lies people, with their own values and ethics.

I always wondered what attracted me most in this organization. I believe it is the people. In JCI, we empower leaders. We become leaders and train other leaders. All our projects have this philosophy and this is even more obvious when we talk about our Public Speaking Championship. On a platform like this, we give our members the opportunity to develop their skill of speech. We give them the power to influence. The power to become the future leaders that resides within each one of them. As the Local Vice President of Skills Development this year, that is why I wanted to lead this project this year as project director."

-Alisha Hingun

second runner up: Chrisinta Chavrimootoo and Jevina Comaren (JCI City Plus) first runner up: Satyam Fowdar (JCI Curepipe) winner: Faizal Sheik Chan (JCI Curepipe)

Debate Training JCI City Plus organised a training to allow members to enhance and practice their debating skills. It was organised by Project Director, Anishah Aujayeb-Gopal and was hosted by Vimi Appadoo of the Dale Carnegie Training Centre.

Members participated with gusto despite the gusts of wind which accompanied the Class 2 cyclone.

BONUS: Top tips for debate 1. Content: Preparation is key and statistics are a must 2. Structure: Example-Why?-What?

3. Delivery: Clarity is important, so avoid using long-winded sentences and mumbling 4. Do not focus too much on your notes 5. Listen actively to your opponents 6. Be yourself

�If you can speak, you can influence. If you can influence, you can change lives.�

Creation of New Local Organisation

As the new local organization committee chairperson, we are pleased to announce that we are well underway to create growth within JCI Mauritius.

A new local organization is being created after a needsanalysis was done to identify the area where our JCI network could create sustainable impact.

A corporate sponsor, Ceridian Mauritius, has also been secured on a long term basis for three years and we are now in the process to recruit new members for the new local organization.

Watch this space for further updates and we look forward to increasing the growth & impact of JCI Mauritius through our initiative of creating a new local organization.

-Anishah Aujayeb-Gopal New Local Organisation Committee Chairperson

Other Highlights

Banquet dinner in honour of 2019 JCI Executive Vice President, Oumar Ouedraogo

Corporate Presentation at GPO Ltd in Ebène, by Senator Ashveena Mewa

Other Highlights

Members' Meeting at Flying Dodo, Bagatelle

Peace Forum at Curtin Mauritius

Upcoming Projects and Save the Dates JCI City Plus Projects Interactive Session to implement neighbourhood watch in communities, Friday 19 April 2019 at B16, Avenue du Travail, Candos as from 7pm ABC Stockexchange Investment (Project Director: Jevina Comaren) Sea Diving Training (Project Director: Alisha Hingun) Inspire and Connect Sessions

Other Projects/Events 2019 JCI Mauritius The Outstanding Young Person Award, hosted by JCI Beau Bassin/Rose-Hill (Project Director: Marie Luce Chang Ko). A press conference will be held on 16 April 2019 at the Municipality of Beau Bassin/Rose Hill 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Area Conference (1-4 May 2019)

facebook.com/jcicityplus

About JCI What is JCI? JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a network of young active citizens aged 18-40 years old, with 175,000 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.

How to become a member?

JCI City Plus is a branch of JCI Mauritius and an NGO. Contact us to become an aspiring member-it is a free trial period of 1-6 mionths 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 affordable skills development trainings. Members of the local organisation meet every last Wednesday of the month in the Conference room, Flying Dodo, Bagatelle.

Join our organisation: 53 B, Avenue des Goyaviers, Quatre Bornes

Website: www.jcicityplus.org Social Media: facebook.com/jcicityplus Phone: 52594242/57015152 Email: jcicityplus@gmail.com or geetanjali.ramkishore@gmail.com

2019 Motto: Together for One World 2019 Local President: Geetanjali Ramkishore

Thank you!

OUR PARTNERS WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE

Multikom Ltd