The Mauritian government has launched the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) 2026, a program aimed at teaching young citizens responsibility, solidarity, and crisis management. The program was presented at a press conference held on September 16 at the Police Training School in Beau-Bassin. NICE 2026 is a collaborative effort between the Prime Minister's Office, the Mauritius Police Force, and the Ministries of Education and Youth and Sports.
The program will target 200 Grade 8 students, aged 12-13, from different regions of Mauritius. The students will participate in educational and practical activities over a period of two weeks, from November 16 to 28, 2026. The program is designed to help young people develop essential life skills, such as teamwork, respect for others, discipline, and responsibility. The students will be divided into groups of 100 boys and 100 girls.
The NICE 2026 program consists of two parts. The first part, from November 16 to 21, will be held at four training centers located in different educational zones. During this period, students will return home each afternoon. The second part, from November 23 to 28, will be a residential camp where students will stay together and participate in team-building activities and practical exercises.
The program is based on four main themes: National Education, Character Building, Preparedness, and Community. The students will be taught 22-23 modules, including history, Constitution, and the functioning of Mauritian institutions. They will also learn about essential values such as courage, integrity, discipline, self-control, and responsibility.
In addition to civic education, the program will also focus on practical skills, such as disaster management, first aid, road safety, and digital citizenship. The students will be taught how to react in crisis situations and how to use the internet responsibly. Several institutions, including the Mauritius Institute of Education, the Mauritius Police Force, and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, will participate in the program.
The safety of the students will be a top priority during the program. The students will be divided into teams and accompanied by educators and professionals, including police officers, Special Mobile Force members, and National Coast Guard personnel. The program will also provide an opportunity to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
The first edition of NICE 2026 will serve as a pilot project, and its outcomes will inform future developments and potential expansion of the program to reach more young Mauritians. The government aims to provide young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible and engaged citizens.
Key points
- The program aims to teach young citizens essential life skills, such as teamwork, respect for others, discipline, and responsibility.
