In the Tranquebar neighborhood of Mauritius, a community program called Believe In is providing creative activities for children, with the goal of transmitting civic values and promoting social cohesion. The program, run by the Synergeo association, is led by Josic Fineau, an educator and employee of the Guy Rozemont school. Fineau is one of the key members of the Believe In team, which offers activities for around 40 children every two Saturdays.
The Believe In program was initially launched by the non-governmental organization TIPA at the Guy Rozemont school, with the aim of extending the program's benefits to children's homes and ensuring continuity in their learning with their parents. The program's focus includes teaching values, adult and child responsibilities, and providing artistic workshops for adults. Fineau has learned significantly from her experience with TIPA, particularly from Nathalie Philogène, a trainer with the organization.
The Believe In program in Tranquebar offers a range of creative activities for children, including arts and crafts, and aims to promote civic values and social cohesion. The program currently operates in one of the three neighborhoods of Tranquebar, Crown Land Tory, and has grown in popularity, with up to 42 children participating. The program's activities are designed to be engaging and fun, with a focus on promoting positive values and behaviors.
The program requires significant logistical planning, including arranging supplies, snacks, and meals for the children. The team provides a healthy snack, such as dal pita and caramelized sausages with rice, and homemade juices like tamarind juice. The program's organizers are now launching an appeal for donations to support the program's activities, particularly during the school holidays.
To ensure continuity during the school holidays, the Believe In team plans to hold activities at least once a week, and sometimes twice a week if outings are organized. The program includes visits to other associations, such as the Cirque social de Résidence La Chaux in Mahébourg, and trips to visit elderly people in retirement homes. The team requires additional funding to support these activities, particularly for transportation costs.
The Believe In program places a strong emphasis on promoting respect and appreciation for elderly people. The team believes it is essential for children to develop a love and respect for seniors, who are seen as a vital part of the community. By visiting elderly people in retirement homes, the children learn about the importance of respecting and caring for older generations.
The parents of the children participating in the Believe In program have expressed their gratitude for the positive impact it has had on their children's lives. They appreciate that their children are safe and engaged in productive activities, away from the dangers of the street. The program's success is also reflected in the changes in behavior that parents have observed in their children at home.
Key points
- The Believe In program in Tranquebar, Mauritius, provides creative activities for children, focusing on civic values and social cohesion.
- The program, led by Josic Fineau, operates in one of the three neighborhoods of Tranquebar and has grown in popularity, with up to 42 children participating.
- The team is launching an appeal for donations to support the program's activities, particularly during the school holidays.
