2016 JCI City Plus Newsletter - City Zenes Focus - Issue 15 - November 2016

City Zenes Focus November 2016 | Issue 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS City Zenes Focus The Official Newsletter of Junior Chamber International City Plus

Messages: Editor in Chief...........................................................................ii Local President........................................................................iii JCI City Plus at a glance..........................................................2 29th JCI Japan Academy.........................................................8

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Ashish Padaruth 2016 Local Secretary Editorial Team Vanisha Rajaysur Member Jevina Coomaren Member Zeinah Zeadally Member

Inspire and Connect Session 2 ...............................................9 ACF Workshop at Pointe aux sables......................................10 Aret Violence..........................................................................12 Peace is possible campaign..................................................13 2016 JCI Mauritius National Convention................................15 2016 JCI Mauritius TOYP Finalist experience........................19 2016 JCI AMESA Summit.......................................................20 Twinning with JCI Antananarivo.............................................21 Aspiring Members corner.......................................................23

Asha Kheejoo Aspiring Member

Recognition time.....................................................................24 2017 JCI City Plus Board of Directors....................................25

Ashuina Sambiah Aspiring Member Zeeshaan Dilloo Aspiring member

Baby’s corner..........................................................................27 Our Sponsors and Partners....................................................28

Editorial Advisors Chimène Dacruz-Valery 2016 Local President

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Tasweena Girdhari 2016 Local Vice-President

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S MESSAGE Dear Readers, Welcome to the Third Edition of City Zenes Focus for the year 2016.

This edition shall showcase the activities and projects done by our passionate organization JCI City Plus in the months of July to October 2016. Our dedicated members have been very active and have participated in all national flagship projects.

Furthermore, the 2016 JCI Mauritius National Convention was a huge success owing to the dedication and passion of the National Convention Director, Local Vice President Tasweena and her amazing team.

As we move towards our 10th year of existence, we must reflect on the journey of our organisation. We must cherish our many achievements but we must also work on the lessons learnt. We must continue to impact people and create positive change.

It’s been an immense pleasure leading the Newsletter team this year. I’m sure the next Editorial team shall bring along further innovations and ideas.

I would like to thank Local Vice President Tasweena for her guidance and my awesome Editorial board members Asha, Ashuina, Jevina , Vanisha, Zeinah, and Zeeshaan for their support throughout the year.

Have a pleasant reading !

“Live, Love, laugh, leave a legacy” Stephen Corvey

Ashish Padaruth !

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Editor-in-Chief

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LOCAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As we reach the end of 2016, we continue our work as set out in our plan of action to Impact to Inspire others to join us in our quest to become the leading organization that unites all sectors of society to create sustainable impact. We have already set the ball rolling for the transfer of knowledge so that the 2017 Local Board Members can Lead with Passion from the start of next year.

These last months will be of utmost importance as we shall set the objectives for next year by reviewing our strategic plan and building our plan of action.

Greeting from the office of the 2016 JCI City Plus President!

It is an immense pleasure for me to write to you these few words for the 3rd Edition of the 2016 City Zenes Focus newsletter.

First and foremost, I seize this opportunity to thank all those without whom this 3rd edition would not have been possible. Thank you to the Editor-In-Chief Ashish Padaruth for the wonderful job done together with the editorial team and thank you to Local Vice President Tasweena Girdhari for her guidance to the Editorial team. Thank you to all those who have some way or another contributed to the successful issuance of our third Edition of 2016 City Zenes Focus newsletter and for having helped us met the objectives set.

As we move forward to our 10th year of existence, we look forward to your continued support and insights to strengthen the foundation of JCI City Plus and bring our organisation to new heights.

I shall end up by quoting Francis of Assisi “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Wish you a pleasant reading and immersion in the world of JCI City Plus.

Chimène Dacruz-Valery Local President iii

JCI CITY PLUS AT A GLANCE (JULY-OCTOBER 2016)

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29TH JCI JAPAN ACADEMY leadership requires building connections between people, organizations and institutions through respect, empathy and committed action.

I have also learnt that there is no such thing like tomorrow, the loss of one of our Academy Delegate from Tunisia shattered all the academy but still he serves as a living example … to seize the day and live in the present.

As Deputy National President this year, I had the privilege and opportunity to be the JCI Mauritius Delegate at the 29th Japan Academy in Mito Japan and as every academy graduate would say … Indeed a life changing experience.

The theme of the Academy this year was KYOKAN.. compassion…..It is the one mysterious thing that links everyone together and helps everyone understand each other despite their social, economic, or religious backgrounds.

Compassion is the response to the suffering of others that motivates a desire to help.

Throughout my days at the JCI Academy, I was reminded at every step that Compassionate

Be it language barrier at the Japan academy, community challenges in different countries, in Mauritius, challenges at National level or within our Local organisations, but still we have that invisible threat linking us JCI values, our mission and vision.

The key is …. simply to believe …..its about the size of our commitment. it is about setting priorities and focussing I returned back from the JCI Academy transformed with loads of learning experiences, lifetime friendship and brotherhood and ready to step further in my JCI career with all the required tools to be better, to unite all sectors of society and to IMPACT AS ONE.

Asha Auckloo 2016 Deputy National President 8

INSPIRE AND CONNECT SESSION 2 JCI City Plus held the 2nd Session of the Inspire & Connect Session on the 27th August in the conference room of Flying Dodo in Bagatelle.

Ms Dalais gave a very good insight onto the role of culture and art in today’s society and also shared various initiatives that are ensuring the continuity of Porlwi by Light.

The 2nd Edition is scheduled for December 2016 and Ms Dalais has even recruited attendees of the ICS Session to be part of the volunteering team for this year’s edition. The collaborators of this session included I-Spy 360 and Bite Me.

The speaker was Astrid Dalais, Director of Move for Art and the brains behind the social phenomenon that was Porlwi by Light.

The aim of Inspire & Connect Session is to create a platform of dialogue and exchange between leaders of our society and the public including our young active citizens.

The sharing of experiences and thoughts by the societal leaders allows for a unique connection through which we hope to create inspiration.

Hailed as one of the biggest event in Mauritius with an attendance of about 300,000 people, this event united artists of different backgrounds, major public listed companies, SMEs and government institutions.

Pavan Gopal Local Vice President - Business

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ACF WORKSHOP AT POINTE AUX SABLES unemployment issues among young graduates of the region, a pressing drug addiction problems among children as from an early age and the mentality of people with regards to their involvement to address the local issues.

On Friday 5th of August 2016, a forum on the Active Citizen Framework (‘ACF’) was organized with the NGO Movement Bien Être De Pointe Aux Sables in the region of Pointe Aux Sables which composed of multiple NGOs of the locality working together as one.

The forum was organized in the house of one of the local NGO member so that the project team could benefit from some field experience. The event was attended by 30 people who included the community people as well as a local counsellor from the Mayor’s office.

The session was not only focused on explaining the Active Citizen Framework but it was also very interactive where the people present shared with the project team the projects they have worked on, the results achieved, the various issues faced by them while doing the community works and the current local issues being faced by the people of the region: security issues, inadequate public transport facilities, lack of parents’ involvement in the academic life of their children, no transfer of important family values to the new generation, inadequate recreational facilities,

JCI City Plus ACF team members linked the ACF to their problems and explained how they can overcome these issues to find the best possible solutions. The session was very much appreciated by the attendees as they found it very resourceful and invited the project team for another session with the group in Pointe Aux Sables as some NGOs were not able to attend the first forum.

The forum was a platform not only to share our methodology but also to gain a field experience on the local issues being faced by small NGOs and work along with them to promote sustainable impact. At the same time, we showcased JCI as an organization present to take responsibility of our communities and create a positive change in the world

Geetanjali Ramkishore Project Director

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ARET VIOLENCE The project “Aret Violence – Name & Shame” falls under the SDG number 5 – i.e. “Gender and Equality”. Since its start in 2014, a lot of campaign has been done to create a positive impact but this year, the team has decided to revamp the project by bringing in, a new dimension to it.

The aim is not to change the people but to educate them more about the consequences of Domestic Violence on their family, children as well as on their own self. Moreover, emphasis was also made on the “Legal aids” available by the ministry, which a lot of people were not aware of.

The first campaign took place on the 13th of August 2016 at Roche Bois, a twinning session with Lions Club of Ebene, through Kiltiv to Konesans” platform.

More than 60 persons of different age groups attended the event.

Furthermore, our team brought along the “peace is possible” element during our campaign.

On the 10th of October 2016, the social networking campaign was launched through Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and JCI City Plus fan page. Videos, testimonials and photos of

“Domestic violence” were shared to the general public to create more impact. Each individual were encouraged to give a “LIKE” to the posts and to “SHARE” the same on their respective social pages. The campaign was a real success as since its launch, more than 3000 “LIKES” were received and more than 250 “SHARES” obtained.

The third campaign took place on the 16th of October 2016 at La Confiance College. It was once more a twinning with Lions Club of Ebene, through “Kiltiv to Konesans” session. But this time, the targeted audience were higher as more than 200 people from different age groups were gathered from all around the island. It was a first experience for the team member to do the presentation in 3 consecutive batches but everything went on so perfectly. The Mayor of Beau Bassin – Rose Hill was also present for the graduation ceremony, post the event and he really appreciated our JCI City Plus initiative for the “Aret Violence” work and good spirit.

Our campaign is a sustainable one and we really encourage each and everyone to “Act together” in our initiative, to create a positive change in the fight against “Domestic Violence”.

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Vanisha Rajaysur Project Director 12

PEACE IS POSSIBLE CAMPAIGN “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other”. Quote

by Mother Teresa, defines the way to achieve peace is oneness.

poisoning his soul and mind. Knowledge, innovations and gadgets gave us comfort but left us in want of peace. Our thinking capacity has overpowered our feelings. Humanity has given way to machinery, kindness to cleverness.

This is true that humankind did not always live in war. In fact, most people reading this article are not habitually violent, and are not willing to see others suffering. We have the capacity to be both

selfish and kind. What truly matters is which quality we chose to focus on; bringing that quality into focus within ourselves, the world, and our children.

On the 21st of September the world celebrates the Day of Peace, but do we need to celebrate peace only on this day or should we celebrate peace every day?

It will be obviously premature to declare that world peace will suddenly happen by end of the month or we will be able to stop all wars by end of the year. We all want to live peacefully but what are we up to bring peace.

Let us pause a little to ruminate over the word peace is it not that we all want to live by each other’s happiness rather than each other’s misery. The world is affluent enough to provide for everyone. We can be helpful to each other irrespective of caste creed religion or race. We all know that, but we have lost our way. All of us have drifted apart from each other in pursuit of our vested interests and materialistic vision. With latest inventions, greed has dawned upon man,

People have digressed from the true meaning of peace while defending their separateness. They are trying to catch a rainbow in a jar. Peace will only come when we have respect for all other groups, nations and religions. While if we

want peace is should start from thyself.

Tranquility of mind comes from having successfully transcended greed, hatred and ignorance. We must discover our 13

identity; then only we can have peace. We are like a man who has forgotten his name; his address and his mission in life. Realize it and try to delve deep into ourselves; so that we may know who we are. Then only we will get security and peace. Sharpen our intellect for this purpose; and cleanse our consciousness for this purpose.

Do not waste time in wondering "should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember God has His own plan too. Value your time and do things. It does not matter if you fail the first time.

organization are preaching peace together taking little steps together, creating peace resolutions and linking hands to balance out the inequality happening in the world. We have the power to make a decent world that will give each one of us a chance to work equally- that will give youth a future.

Let us free the world from greed, hate and intolerance. Let us work towards a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness. Let us all unite and build peace in our heart and minds!

Yes, peace is possible …

You can rectify your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET! Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over the spilt milk?

"Live, love, learn..."

Taking a sneak peek into our world, we a global consciousness towards peace. Many

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Vikash Sewruttun Project Director

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2016 JCI MAURITIUS NATIONAL CONVENTION

JCI City Plus has been entrusted the responsibility of hosting the 2016 JCI Mauritius National Convention this year. The 2016 JCI Mauritius National Convention under the theme "Stand up for Peace" took place on the 1st and 2nd October 2016 at the Preskil Beach Resort, Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg.

A 2-days event whereby there was the 2016 JCI Mauritius National Partnership Summit, General Assembly 1 & 2 and team building. The Summit under the theme "Entrepreneurship: A solution for Youth Unemployment in Mauritius" was a resourceful and successful event with the participation of 3 eminent keynote speakers, namely Mr Raj Makoond, Mr Phalraj Servansingh and Miss Jessyca Joyekurun.

During the General Assembly, the 2017 JCI Mauritius National President and National Board Members were elected. On Sunday, we had an interesting and amusing team building organised by Drum Cafe Mauritius as a means to reinforce the team spirits of members.

Tasweena Girdhari 2016 National Convention Director

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2016 JCI MAURITIUS TOYP FINALIST EXPERIENCE

On my birthday, that is the 23rd of May, I got the excellent news that I were among the TOP 5 Finalist for the competition. I tried my level best but did not succeed in being in the TOP 3. I was sad but nevertheless, I said to myself that one failure is only a lesson to work harder next time.

“Winning is not always important but the experience counts mostly”; this was what I have told myself in every competition I have participated in my life. It is always a dream achieving something extra mile but without familial or friends’ support, nothing is possible.

My participation to the “TOYP- The Outstanding Young person of the Year – under Personal accomplishment category” started with a reluctance and doubt about my real potential. It was difficult to take the step forward but I remember one day before deadline that is the 12th of May, I listened to my heart. The stress level was always present as the keenness of knowing who would be the winner consistently arose.

From this competition, I can firmly say that I have met a lot of excellent candidates and learnt a lot from their personal experiences and social work they are doing. Moreover, this has created more confidence within myself and vis-à-vis my subordinates and Management at work. What makes me happier is that, my participation has really created a positive impact among many aspiring professionals, whom at their turn, have decided to try their luck in the competition next year.

Vanisha Rajaysur Member 19

2016 JCI AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST SENATORS ASSOCIATION SUMMIT The 2016 JCI Africa and Middle East Senators Association (AMESA) Summit was held in Mauritius from the 9th to the 11th of September 2016.

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TWINNING WITH JCI ANTANANARIVO

Since last year JCI City Plus has been in discussion with JCI Antananarivo for a twinning. Some of the local board members of JCI City Plus met on several occasions with local board members and members from JCI Antananarivo for sharing of knowledge and exchanging ideas.

After identifying a common issue in both of our communities, we collaborated on an awareness campaign “Commit for less Accidents” during the 4 weeks of August 2016. It was a successful online campaign whereby members from both local organizations shared photos and committed for less accident in our respective countries.

We look forward to the signing of the twinning agreement between JCI Antananarivo and JCI City Plus.

Tasweena Girdhari Local Vice President - Public Relations and International

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ASPIRING MEMBERS’ CORNER seen the dedications and commitments of many members to perform under the hood of JCI City Plus.

The first time I heard about JCI City Plus, I must admit that it was something new to me, from which I have never heard of. My first exposure to JCI was the team building session at Flic en Flac where I received a brief description of its existence and purpose in Mauritius from the JCI members present there.

Last but not least, I still believe that it is throughout collaboration, cohesion and teamwork that everything aligned with the mission of JCI City Plus can be achieved.

Competition is good for business, but collaboration is a prerequisite in the world of citizenship. Honestly, I have seen the strengths and weaknesses inside. No organizations are perfect. But what is more important is to show people the right way to convert weaknesses into strengths.

There are still scopes for learning in this organization and I am looking forward to devise the right path in making a difference.

My reason for joining JCI City Plus was my own decision because I wanted to have an answer to one question: what can I do best for people in need of support in any kinds?

Certainly, I have attended my first induction programme at JCI City Plus, the EGM, JCI AMESA Summit and JCI Mauritius National Convention. Throughout all these events, I came to learn how different people, holding different positions, perform differently to achieve the mission and objectives of JCI City Plus. My observations till now are positives as I have

Zeeshaan Dilloo Aspiring Member

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It’s been two months since I got involved with JCI City Plus. I am enjoying the passion and motivation of this organisation, but mostly, being part of JCI gives me hope. Hope that our future will be much better than our present.

Elveena Yessoo Aspiring Member

Recognition Time

I first got involved with JCI after reading Alladin’s Philip Ah-Chen: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Educator. I was curious about JCI’s philosophy of “making a world of difference.” After attending a few JCI events, I found that in essence JCI members genuinely care about our society and are engaged in shaping it for the better for all Mauritians.

Being part of JCI allowed me to engage people who are taking concrete steps in making Mauritius a better place. It also helped me realise that there are various ways to make a difference. The Inspire and Connect Session showcasing Astrid Dalais showed that making a difference can take the form of valuing Mauritian culture. The Aret Violence – Name and Shame Campaign demonstrated the engagement of youth in reducing violence in all its forms. The Peace Through Dignity forum showed the various ways peace can be reached at a personal, national, and international level. The range of issues JCI engages with allows members to learn and navigate through different challenges.

During the sixth members meeting held on 27th July 2016 at Lambic restaurant, Port Louis, the best Board Member, Best Member and Best Aspiring Member were announced for their hard work and dedication for the first six months of 2016

Best Board Member - Local Vice President Tasweena Girdhari Best Member - Vikash Sewruttun Best Aspiring Member - Jevina Coomaren

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2017 JCI CITY PLUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

On the 15th of September 2016, the 2017 JCI City Plus Board of Directors have been elected during the Extraordinary General Assembly (EGM) at Voila, Bagatelle.

2017 Local President Elect - Tasweena Girdhari 2017 Local Secretary Elect - Vanisha Rajaysur 2017 Local Treasurer Elect - Geetanjali Ramkishore 2017 Local Vice President Elect - Public Relations and International - Mohesh Chandra Padaruth 2017 Local Vice President Elect - Skills Development - Pavan Gopal 2017 Local Vice President Elect - Community Development - Jaya Bholeshwaree Mulloo 2017 Local Vice President Elect - Business - Devindra Collappen 2017 Immediate Past President - Chimène Dacruz-Valery The 2017 JCI City Plus motto is “Lead With Passion”

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2017 JCI CITY PLUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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JCI City Plus has the immense pleasure to announce that Senator Jessen Soobrayen is the happy father of a wonderful little baby boy, Dhyan Naidoo Soobrayen. On behalf of JCI City Plus, the Editorial team conveys our congratulations to the parents.

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