The following post was written by POA Online Volunteer, Bettina De-Carli.  

A training program for disabled people launched earlier this month in the Mauritius. On November 6 The Mauritius Employers’ Federation (MEF), the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board (TEDPS) and the Ministry of Social Security joined together to create a unique training program.

The project includes 150 hours of courses such as Basic English, Basic French, Basic IT, Basic Human Resources, Basic Mathematics, Basic Accounting and Communications/Interviewing skills.
Amrita Nivault, Chairperson of the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board (TEDPB) affirms that “a sense of achievement, independence, income and choice will be given to the persons with disabilities and more importantly it will enable them to make their voices heard and contribute as active citizens in the socio-economic development of the country”.

The objective of the training is to develop office and IT skills to people with handicaps in order to improve their life quality and give them a chance of employment. In relation with this subject , Mr. Vasenden Dorasami General Manager at the ITC Infinity Group (who is also partly sponsoring the program) made public the decision of giving work placement in his company to the people who complete the course.

Another important aspect related to disabilities was discussed by Social Security Minister Sheila Bappoo together with the MEF President Mr. Anwar Joonas who pointed out the arrangement with the state to create special facilities in order to ease the access to basic social services (for example buses equipped with a low ramp). 

In addition to all this good work, a Job and Training Fair is organized for the 4th of December at the Cyber Tower, in order to celebrate the international day of people with disabilities. This will without a doubt be a good chance for the disabled to connect with the employers.