CITY BUZZ
Excellence

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
-Vince Lombardi
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
-Vince LombardiDear Readers,
Most of us, including me, I'm sure, have goals we’d like to accomplish in both our personal and professional lives Maybe it's getting our own place, a rental property, increasing our portfolio, forming our own business, buying a new car, or getting paid more All of these concrete outcomes, as well as others, are attainable and conceivable for everyone of us
I was raised with the values of optimism and self-belief. In my early stages of self discovery, I learned about the law of attraction, how to live in the now to create our destiny, and the value of setting goals.
I didn't really understand it at the time, but I've since discovered that writing down our goals helps us focus, track our progress, avoid distractions and procrastination, and keep the motivation ignited all of which, I'm sure you'll agree, helps us accomplish the goals we set for ourselves.
The JCI City Plus and JCI family itself consist of extraordinary persons who paved the way and left a legacy, and people who wish to make a difference in the society
To wrap up, I'd like to extend my gratitude to the team, Local Vice President Keshina, aspiring member Gawree, Local President Vanshinee, and everyone who contributed to the success of this second quarter's outstanding projects.
Wish you a pleasant reading
Editor in Chief Gooshma Kissoondoyal"Goal setting is the secret to a compelling future."
Tony Robbins
’Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress Working together is success.
Henry FordThe last six months have been a roller coaster We began the year 2023 with fervor and enthusiasm, each of us with creative ideas and everyone inspired and motivated to work as a team However, turning ideas into impactful projects requires teamwork and maintaining team spirit. We eventually brainstormed all of the ideas, conducted our research and requirement analysis, created a detailed plan for the entire year's calendar initiatives, and deployed resources to make each project realistic based on SMART Goals.
We did, however, face several difficulties, as well as differing viewpoints and perspectives We recognize our own uniqueness, but in order to make things happen, our team chemistry has to be revised
We always learn in JCI via trainings, experienced members, senators, and prior presidents that team cognition, cohesiveness, and conflict are crucial characteristics of team dynamics
Strong team dynamics ensure that everyone is working to their maximum ability When everyone is committed to doing their best, the results are bound to be better A strong team dynamic empowers every member to accomplish better than they have ever done before
I would want to thank and acknowledge all City Plus members that maintain the team bonding strong, motivate each other, and are always willing to step up to take on tasks and roles to make projects successful, as well as participate in events to make JCI City Plus shine. Not only the members, but the aspiring members had played a pivotal role in participating in the debate and public speaking competition They have been outstanding in their performance and made us proud
Second quarter events include members attending a Leadership Academy and an AMEC conference in Zimbabwe in May, a Capacity Building session with NGOS in Baie du Tombeau and the surrounding area, during which women voiced their traumas to us regarding the project "Four Faces of Women," our second session of a Mental Health series with a health therapist and a coach at Andrea Lodge in June, and Yes to Sustainability in collaboration with MBN and the official Launching of Creative Young Entrepreneur Award Program via a press conference.
Yours in JCI spirit, Vanshinee Bhirugnath
2023 Local President
JCI City Plus
"A solid team dynamic makes every member feel supported to perform better than they ever have before.’’
Dear JCI City Plus family,
Warm greetings to you all! It is with great pleasure for me to address you as the 2023 JCI Mauritius National President for the Second Edition of JCI City Plus newsletter I want to seize this occasion to express my deepest appreciation for the outstanding work and dedication over the past six months.
JCI City Plus has in the last quarter been able to connect with different partners in order to create positive change in the society.
Through your projects, you have created meaningful experiences that brought people together, fostered connections and enriched our community
Back in May 2023, JCI City Plus shined bright during the 2023 JCI Africa and Middle East Conference by winning four Awards namely in the Best of the Best Category and nominated in other Award Categories. Congratulations for this well-deserved recognition! You certainly made the JCI Mauritius family proud.
As we move forward into the next six months, take a moment to appreciate the milestones JCI City Plus has achieved and build upon them. Let this reflection fuel your motivation to enhance the projects, processes and strategies to ensure even greater impact and sustainability.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the JCI Mission Your contributions are invaluable and I am grateful to JCI City Plus. Approach the remaining six months with renewed energy and enthusiasm, knowing that your efforts will pave the way for even greater impact.
Yours in JCI spirit,
Tasweena Girdhari“Success comes to those who continue the work with unwavering dedication, never resting on the laurels of past accomplishments.”
ers, mbers we learn to Be Better through our es and through our interactions with e learn to appreciate each other’s s and accept that we all evolve differently.
My journey in JCI started back in 2009 and since then, I took different leadership roles: Local President of JCI City Plus in 2013, National Vice President in 2015, National Training Institute Director in 2017 and Africa and Middle East Development Councilor in 2018. I attended ten international events (World Congress, Africa and Middle East Conference, European Conference, National Convention, National Congress ) which have been amazing experiences My journey in JCI has been very much focused on empowering members through training.
I had the opportunity to deliver trainings for different Local Organisations in Mauritius, for JCI Nepal, JCI Perpignan, JCI Reunion and JCI Vannes.
This year as the 2023 JCI Mauritius Senate Chairperson, my role is to support JCI Mauritius, JCI City Plus members and be present for the Senators
Yours in JCI spirit, Antee (Ashveena) Mewa
2023 Senate Chairperson
JCI Mauritius
“I’ve
got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom.”
–Thomas Carlyle
Being a Banking and Finance student at Curtin University, I look forward to embarking on a plenteous journey with JCI. From honing my skills to forging lifelong connections, my first participation in the JCI Public Speaking Championship shaped me profoundly.
JCI is thriving in all realms, and I wish to contribute to the greatness laid ahead.
As an introvert finance student, I joined JCI to develop my skills, personality and explore new ways of thinking Through participation in networking, debate and public speaking competitions, it helped me challenge my fears and become a better speaker.
When I became Co-Project Director for the Yes to Sustainability Project, I felt fulfilled to be helping the environment. More so when I participated in Zenfan Lespwar, where we got to interact with young passionate children, our future leaders. I feel blessed to be part of JCI and embark on a journey of continuous growth.
Thanks to my friend Vanshinee I am today an aspiring member of JCI. For me JCI is like a stepping stone for a better future. Since I joined JCI I have started to believe in myself and am keen to help and share my knowledge, participating in debate and public speech has made me strong enough to fight the fear within myself and I'm now participating in a project for Baie du Tombeau women entreprenarship For me JCI is a long way with plenty of discoveries.
Debate Championship Competition
Heal to lead - 2nd Session
2023 JCI AMEC
2023 JCI AMEC Awards
2023 JCI AMEC Debate Championship Jury Member
Message
Four Faces of Women - Capacity Building
Yes to Sustainability
Public Speaking Competition
Members' Meeting & Celebrating Our Awards!
Launching of the 2023 JCI Mauritius Creative
Young Entrepreneur Program
Message from the SG COI
Save the Dates
Celebrations - Birthdays (April - June) & Graduation
Zenfans Lespwar -Deepika Langur's Farewell
Message
Our trio embarked on a thrilling journey exploring and meticulously researched our topics, pouring countless hours into preparation.
Nervous yet determined we let our voice, timidly at the beginning before resonating with conviction by the end of our speech. It was a testament to teamwork and perseverence.
We put ourselves outside our comfort zone and gained an unforgettable experience, thanks to both of my team members.
Participating in the debate competition was an incredible experience. As a team, we gained valuable knowledge about effective argumentation as we honed our communication skills. Moreover, we learnt to manage time and handle pressure gracefully.
This not only fostered team work but also boosted my creativity and expanded my critical thinking skills while deepening our understanding of different viewpoints.
The best part was the camaraderie and the personal growth that we enjoyed
Gaurav HurnaumIt was in the very splendid green cachet of Andrea Lodge that the second project of Mental Health was executed Both JCI members and nonmembers immediately felt at ease and at peace thanks to a lovely hiking excursion that provided the ideal setting for reflection with our Mental Health Coach, Ms. Deeya Seechurn. In order to understand adult traits like anger, aggression, low self-esteem, anxiety, fear, people-pleasing attitudes, relationship problems, and in extreme cases, depression and suicidal tendencies, Ms. Deeya placed a strong emphasis on specific and major game-changing topics like trauma, childhood trauma, wounded masculine vs divine masculine, and wounded feminine vs divine feminine traits and behaviours
The members were thrilled to realise the value of learning about one's own subconscious mechanisms, which is essential to, first, recognise and identify the dysfunctional trait, and then to later cure the latter using the suggestions and techniques offered by Ms. Deeya.
When an individual has healthier coping mechanisms to daily stressors, not only is he better equipped to overcome challenges with a stronger and positive mindset, but their productivity and performance equally takes the rising tangent. Furthermore, a better coordination of teamwork is observed when one is mentally upskilled which is to the delight of the JCI mindset; to produce empowered leaders bringing the members together with empathy while continuously infusing the spirit of brotherhood.
Hosted by JCI Zimbabwe at the Victoria Falls 17 may - 21 May 2023
Dear Readers,
JCI Mauritius team returned home from the 2023 AMEC with six awards, five of which were won by JCI City Plus and one by JCI Curepipe, which includes:
Best member: Vanshinee Bhirugnath
Best new member: Aklesh Seebooa
Best Local project: Rise-up Business series
Best local entrepreneurship program - Rise-up Business series
Debate Champions - Arouna (Azagen)
Curpanen, Chrisinta Chavrimootoo and Ben Venkatakistnen.
JCI Curepipe won the award for Best Local Organisation
Additionally, JCI City Plus and JCI Curepipe were recognised as top 3 nominees in the following categories.
JCI City Plus for:
Best Local President - I'Doumben (Ben) Naidu Venkatakistnen
Best Local Individual Development Program: Empowering the Next Gen of Leaders Training Series!
JCI Curepipe for:
Best inter-organisation collaboration project: Eco-Connect.
Best National Flagship Program - 2022 CYEA
Best Rise-up: Youth Empowerment program
I am thrilled to watch JCI City Plus and Mauritius flourish on the world scene after a hard-working 2022.
2023NationalTreasurerandImmediatePastPresident
I'Doumben(Ben)NaiduVenkatakistnen
Senate Chairperson - Antee (Ashveena) Mewa
This year, the 2023 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference was held in Zimbabwe whereby I had the opportunity to be part of the jury members for the Debate competition.
JCI gives us opportunities and it is up to us to seize them and learn. It was a great privilege to share this platform with my colleague Senator Michael from JCI South Africa and Past National President Wale Bakare from JCI Nigeria.
The 'Four Faces of Women' project is flourishing as we hit the middle of 2023, and this is a source of fulfillment for us. The women of Baie du Tombeau have demonstrated strong engagement and participation in the trainings organized, which show their motivation to break the vicious cycle of gender abuse and start their entrepreneurship journey to better support themselves and their households. We are currently in full swing preparing our next sessions which will be culinary lessons. A million thanks to the amazing team members of the projects who are of great help and guidance.
As the Co-Project Director for the Yes to Sustainability initiative, I am thrilled to share the success of our recent event One of the highlights was an engaging upcycling session, where the young children unleashed their creativity by cutting paper magazines and transforming them into beautiful and functional paper bags. This not only promoted the importance of recycling but also showcased the transformative power of imagination.
Committed to environmental conservation, we organized an engaging planting session, where we assisted the students in planting numerous fruit trees. It was a powerful reminder of our responsibility to nurture the earth and teach the children to create a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Yes to Sustainability initiative is proud to have brought these meaningful experiences to our community Together, we can create a sustainable world that cherishes both our planet and the well-being of future generations Looking forward to the next event
To foster collaboration and exchange ideas, we hosted a networking session, providing a platform for like-minded individuals and organizations to connect, share experiences, and work together towards a common goal. We thank the school - La Courte Echelle du Nord, ARX Revolution Ltd and Mauritius Business Network for their collaboration and support
In recognition of the children's remarkable efforts and contributions throughout the event, they were gifted books made wrapped in recycled paper This gesture aimed to instill a love for reading while emphasizing the value of reusing materials, further igniting their passion for environmental protection.
Upon winning the public speaking championship, I was very happy and grateful for my team's unwavering support However it also led to a sense of fulfilment
The theme was on Self-Reflection and writing and speaking honestly about my mistakes was a challenge for me
Now, I believe more than ever that through continuous practice and with humility to criticize oneself, every mistake becomes an opportunity for growth
Embracing the mantra Practice makes progress!
Gaurav HurnaumWinner of the 2023 JCI Mauritius Public Speaking Competition
At JCI City Plus, we believe that success is a team effort. The way a team plays as a whole determines its success, and we couldn't be prouder of our incredible team!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our 2023 Local President, Board members, dedicated Members, aspiring Members, and esteemed Senators, whose support and contributions have been crucial to our achievements
Our continuous brotherhood relationship has been our strength. It is through unity and collaboration that we have achieved remarkable milestones and made a positive impact in our community
As we gather at our members' meeting to celebrate our awards, we are reminded of the power of teamwork. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our shared goals are truly inspiring
Let's keep fostering this spirit of collaboration as we aim for even greater heights.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."
– Michael Jordan
JCI Mauritius Creative Young Entrepreneur Program encourages, honours and celebrates exceptional young people who have innovatively and successfully planned and implemented their entrepreneurial idea or concept. This program is an international competition with a main objective: To motivate and inspire JCI’s enterprising young leaders.
Led by the Project Director, Aklesh Seebooa, the current motto is “to kreativite fer la diferans” . This motto highlight the significance of creativity in entrepreneurship.
I recognise the dedication and the commitment of the team members in organising a successful press conference for the official launching of 2023 JCI Mauritius CYE Program.
Le Secrétaire général de la COI, M. Vêlayoudom Marimoutou, a accueilli la conférence de presse organisée par JCI pour le lancement de l’édition 2023 du Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE). Il a remercié les membres de la presse d’être présents et a souligné que la COI considère la jeunesse comme une opportunité à transformer.
Il a ensuite parlé de la croissance démographique rapide de l’Afrique, qui est le continent le plus jeune du monde. Il a noté que la population des États membres de la COI a triplé en 40 ans et qu’elle continuera à croître dans les années à venir. Il a déclaré que la COI est prête à relever le défi de l’emploi des jeunes, qui devrait atteindre 9 millions d’ici 2040.
M. Marimoutou, a ensuite parlé du programme CYE, qui est un concours pour les jeunes entrepreneurs. Il a déclaré que le programme contribue à mettre en lumière les talents et l’esprit d’entreprise des jeunes de la région. Il a également souligné que le CYE est une occasion pour les jeunes de bénéficier d’une expérience unique d’apprentissage et de développement professionnel et personnel.
Enfin, M. Marimoutou, a déclaré que la COI est fière de pouvoir soutenir le CYE et qu’elle reste mobilisée pour et avec la jeunesse Il a souhaité un plein succès au CYE 2023.
JCI City Plus saisit l'occasion pour remercier également ses sponsors :
COI
Taylor Smith Group
Cover Tech
SBM Ltd
Magellan Hub
SME
MBN
Digital Ratz
GWS Technologies Ltd
Voici quelques points clés supplémentaires du discours :
La COI considère la jeunesse comme une opportunité à transformer. La COI est prête à relever le défi de l’emploi des jeunes.
Le programme CYE contribue à mettre en lumière les talents et l’esprit d’entreprise des jeunes de la région.
Le CYE est une occasion pour les jeunes de bénéficier d’une expérience unique d’apprentissage et de développement professionnel et personnel.
La COI est fière de pouvoir soutenir le CYE et reste mobilisée pour et avec la jeunesse
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela
You've got everything it takes to be successful On this year's Birthday, make yourself a promise that you will achieve your goals and dreams in life, no matter what.
A very Happy Birthday to you all again.
You have reached a great milestone in your life, so hold on to the moment! The world is yours for the taking.
Congratulations to MEMBER KAMINI RAMJEET on successfully graduating her Masters in PR & Communication
Dear JCI City Plus Board and Members,
This is the farewell letter through which I announce the difficult decision to terminate my membership with JCI City Plus.
Recently, I have been offered a unique opportunity to pursue my studies abroad, which necessitates my full dedication and presence.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredibly fruitful and enriching experience I have had with JCI City Plus. The organization has been a catalyst for personal growth, providing invaluable leadership skills, inspiring projects, one of which I have had the opportunity of directing, namely, Zenfans Lespwar.
The memories we have created together and the impact we have made on the community through several projects I have participated in, and the support I have received from fellow
members will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you for the incredible journey we have shared, and I wish JCI City Plus continued success and positive impact in the future.
Warmest regards, Langur
Deepika"Wishing you the best wherever you go and whatever you do. Your positive energy and personality will serve you well!"
- The JCI City Plus Family
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.
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.
2023 Motto
"Engage for Excellence"
Our partners who make it all possible