A series of activities, under the Special Vacances programme, are scheduled from 30 March to 15 April 2018 in the context of the Easter school holidays. The objective is to promote the personal development of secondary school students and encourage social exchanges among young Mauritians.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Stephan Toussaint, during a press conference yesterday in Port Louis, elaborated on the Special Vacances programme which will bring together young people from different regions across Mauritius to participate in healthy recreational activities.
Minister Toussaint highlighted that the activities will enable young people, aged between 12 and 35 years, to spend an enjoyable time as well as engage in physical and healthy activities.
The calendar of activities
A National Hiking Day covering a track of 7 km will be held at Jet Ranch, Mare Longue-Machabee. The aim is to stimulate young people’s interest about the environment. Some 700 youth will participate.
Also, a National Fun Day which will comprise entertaining games such as tug of war, Jeux D’adress, Jeux D’obstacles as well as fun foot, volleyball, petanque, archery and cultural events, will be held at the Curepipe Botanical Garden. Animation Vacances will allow young people to participate in indoor games which will include playing videogames on PlayStation 4, table tennis, quiz, carom, and outdoor activities such as treasure hunt.
As regards encouraging social exchanges among students, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is organising outdoor tent camping activities and will provide camping tents and transport facilities for uniformed groups such as Girls Guides and Scouts Association as well as for youth clubs. Outdoor tent camping venues are: Anse La Raie; Belle Mare; Flic-en-Flac; and Pointe JerAme Outdoor Centres.
A ‘canot raffia’ game aiming to initiate some 50 young people in crafting ‘raffia’ boats as well as compete in a miniature ‘raffia’ boats contest will be held at Lakepoint in Curepipe. Some 150 youth will also benefit from numerous training programmes at the Volunteer Mauritius Academy. The training programmes are the following: police service course; fire service course; water wise education; first aid; leadership course; initiation to self-defence, rope knots and abseiling.
Participants who are interested to make the most of the Special Vacances programme should contact the nearest Youth Centre and register for the activities which will help broaden their knowledge and promote their self-developmental progress.
Source: Government of Mauritius