Republic of Mauritius- Full Concrete Housing Unit Scheme Nine new beneficiaries

In his address, Minister Wong reiterated Government’s commitment through various measures to uplift the lives of vulnerable people who are at the lower rung of the social ladder. He highlighted that it is essential for each and every citizen of the country to live in proper living conditions.  

He indicated that the FCH project, which is a joint collaboration of the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF) and the Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, has as objectives to provide decent housing units of 40 m² and 50 m² to eligible vulnerable families with a view to improve their lifestyle and enabling them progress in their lives. The Minister further emphasised that with access to necessary facilities and amenities, the beneficiaries will be able to live in a pleasant environment, therefore helping them to become more ambitious to pursue their endeavours.

He also stressed on various governmental measures aimed at combatting social scourges such as drugs and teenage pregnancy. To this end, he spoke of the Life Enhancement Education Programme which aims at equipping NEF beneficiaries with life skills and values while adding that it will prepare them to adapt to social changes and support them to become responsible citizens.

The handing over of keys ceremony also coincided with an award of certificates to nine participants who have followed the Life Enhancement Education Programme and nine attendees who have pursued a training course on beekeeping.

Life Enhancement Education Programme 

The programme, specifically designed for NEF beneficiaries, comprised the following topics: self esteem; communication within the family unit; reproductive health and contraceptive measures; food safety and hygiene; communicable and non-communicable diseases; roles and responsibilities of each member of the family; importance of education and family budgeting; entrepreneurship skills/ preparing for workplace; and citizenship/ community mobilisation/ ensuring good neighbourhood.

Bee-keeping course

As regards the beekeeping training, it spanned over a period of three days, with one practical session conducted on the field. It had as objectives to enable people who lack resources to become more independent and develop confidence in their own efforts to move out of poverty. The training focused on the management of honey bee colonies for maximum bee health and honey production.