CITY BUZZ
The Official Newsletter of JCI City Plus (Mauritius)
Issue 24 - April 2020
Editor in Chief's Message
Dear Readers of City Buzz It is an absolute pleasure for me to chair for the first time the newsletter of JCI City Plus (Mauritius). As we scroll into a new decade, 2020 announces itself as a new era of change. An era where we want youngsters of this country to rise and take awareness of the various issues gnawing our society but most importantly help to make our world a better place to live. No doubt, we have been experiencing some challenging moments those past weeks with so many cases and even deaths in Mauritius due to the Coronavirus but this is the time to show our true patriotism and strength. As a new Board takes charge, we are sure that 2020 is a year of positive change and hence we look forward for you to join us to give a helping hand. Though this newsletter is not able to showcase ALL the hard work of our members and aspiring members that goes on behind the scenes, we are happy to share our projects and activities with our readers. We hope that you will enjoy this first newsletter of 2020. On a final note, my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to this newsletter and wish you all a pleasant reading.
I'doumben (Ben) Naidu Venkatakistnen 2020 Local Vice-President (Community Development)
"My Message to Youngsters is to never compromise with hard work" Sanath Jayasuriya
2020 Motto: CONNECTING THROUGH BROTHERHOOD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2020 Local President's Message Dear Readers,
Greetings from the 2020 Local President!
It is a matter of great honour to address you a few words today! As we embark on this 13th year of JCI City Plus, I would like to thank you all for your presence and dedication. Over the years, JCI City Plus has known multiple changes, be it positive or negative each and every member has brought his/her share of support.
The past few years have been quite challenging and this goes without saying that we shall need to double our commitment and efforts to take JCI City Plus to new heights. To achieve our goals, we need each and every one of you as your unwavering collaboration will only make us better. 2020 will be the year to enhance the bond within JCI City Plus' members and find the real essence of belonging to the organisation.
This unprecedented crisis we are all going through today, calls for our fundamental belief in the power of hope allows us to rise above voices of doubts and division. Known for being “geniuses”, never humanity has felt so helpless as we are today vis a vis this COVID-19 pandemic. These moments call upon us to unify our bonds and brotherhood to face this issue as one.
Maybe this is the time for us to unlearn to learn, the time to cherish what we take for granted, the time to think and rethink about our environment and surroundings. This pandemic has definitely brought chaos, but it has also brought so many people and nations helping each other, without the barriers of colour, creed, caste, race, to name a few. I would like to end by sharing a quote from C. JoyBell C.: “We are all equal in the fact that we are all different. We are all the same in the fact that we will never be the same. We are united by the reality that all colours and all cultures are distinct & individual. We are harmonious in the reality that we are all held to this earth by the same gravity. We don't share blood, but we share the air that keeps us alive.”
Looking forward to a great and impactful year with you all whilst strengthening our bond by Connecting Through Brotherhood!
Yours Truly, Jaya Mulloo 2020 Local President
2020 JCI Mauritius National President's Message Dear JCI Members Greetings. On 24th November 2019 I was elected National President of JCI Mauritius, but of course this journey did not start there. The adventure started more than a decade ago and it gives me great pleasure to serve JCI Mauritius as National President to start a new decennium. I am equally blessed and privileged because the members have demonstrated their trust and confidence in my abilities and leadership. As we transition into a new year setting new resolutions, JCI Mauritius has come up with a new action plan that contains several strategic priorities that will be enable us to reach our strategic position where JCI unites all sectors of the society to create sustainable impact. 2020 will not only be the year where we will bridge the gap between the vision and reality. It will be a year where we will unite to serve and make the change. However, we are facing unprecedented times ahead with the COVID-19 outbreak. The world, including Mauritius is facing many challenges and uncertainties. JCI is having to cancel or postpone its activities. People are losing their lives, families are in tears and believe me when I say that, this situation is breaking my heart.
JCI is the organisation that provides the adequate platform that enables our members to deploy their sense of active citizenship and turn challenges into opportunities. Over several decades, our members have made tremendous efforts in the development of communities that have positively impacted our citizens and our society at large. We encourage you to be cognizant of the situation we find ourselves in. Observe security measures as advised by relevant authorities/ organisations. Be as selfless as possible and help where you can in your community. And most importantly, during the national confinement period STAY HOME. STAY SAFE. WE ARE STRONGER THAN CORONA! Long live JCI Mauritius Franchette Emilien 2020 JCI Mauritius National President Motto: United We Serve. United We Make the Change
Please also view the message of our 2020 JCI Mauritius National President to all members of JCI on the Cornonavirus at: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1878239978976846&id=330593060408220
2020 JCI Beau-Bassin / Rose-Hill Local President's Message Dear Readers, Greetings! I am Diksha, 2020 Local President of JCI Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill. It is an immense pleasure for me to address to you for this very first quarter. I have had the occasion to attend JCI City Plus first event for this year, the Health Drive at Montagne Blanche Social Welfare Centre on 29.02.2020. This event is indeed a great initiative in terms of health contributions to the society. Some people, especially youngsters when hearing about health checkup and blood donations freak out. But the ambiance and warm welcoming atmosphere created by JCI City Plus added some comfort. Furthermore, another well appreciated initiative that JCI City plus is bringing to us is the Covid-19 Online Campaign. This is helping people to be more informed about this pandemic and promote healthy habits and measures especially on hygiene issues. I would like to congratulate JCI City Plus on their roll towards creating positive impact for this year and I wish them most success! Diksha Beeharry 2020 JCI Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hil
Your 2020 Local Board Members Jaya Mulloo - 2020 Local President Profession: Relationship Manager Passionate about: Community work Jaya joined JCI City Plus (Mauritius) as aspiring member in 2014, swore in as member in 2015, eventually joined the local Board as 2016 Local Treasurer and 2017 Local Vice President - Community development. Her altruism started back during her school days where she wanted to equip herself with the best tools. Her mum indulged in social activities and has always taught her to give back to the society. In JCI, she saw the opportunity to share her experiences and expertise and be part of something that can help her grow both professionally and personally. "I strongly believe that alone we can do so little but together we can do so much, hence my motto “Connecting through Brotherhood”.
Geetanjali Ramkishore - 2020 Immediate Past President Profession: Accountant Passionate about: Networking Experiencing new adventures Geetanjali joined JCI City Plus (Mauritius) in 2014 and she loved the journey so far. She wishes all the members and aspiring members a wonderful journey and hope that they make the most out of it, be it in terms of personal development, working on any social cause which is dear to them, making friends or just networking. She is passionate about meeting new people and experiencing adventurous activities and that is the reason why she joined this organisation. She is very pleased to have been able to attend two African & Middle East conferences which has allowed her to experience JCI at the international level. "Trust me when I say it is much more bigger and exciting than what it seems here locally".
Chrisinta Chavrimootoo - 2020 Local Secretary Profession: Barrister Passionate about: Arts in all its forms, be it performing, literary or visual Snorkelling Hiking Chrisinta joined JCI City Plus (Mauritius) as her 2018 New Year's resolution - that's one resolution she has not yet broken! After swearing in on 2 June 2018, she joined the Board in 2019 as Vice-President Public Relations and International and she is currently serving as the 2020 Local Secretary. Two words that define her involvement with JCI: Active Citizenship. "You do not need to be a politician or a highranking official to create change. In JCI, you learn by doing and before you know it, you are walking the talk".
Dalini (Sheivi) Servansingh - 2020 Local Treasurer Profession: Industrial Engineer Passionate about: Badminton Guitar Sheivi joined JCI City Plus (Mauritius) as aspiring member in 2017 and sworn-in in 2019 at the Banquet organised in honour of the 2019 JCI Executive Vice-President Oumar Ouedraogo. She holds a BEng degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering and joined JCI City Plus (Mauritius) to be able to have a platform to be able to engage in community development projects particularly social and environental causes.
Preshan Kissoondoyal - 2020 Local Vice-President Profession: IT auditor Passionate about: Gym Badminton Preshan joined JCI in 2018 and shares the view that this has been one of his best experiences as he believes that providing help and support to humanity is the only thing a person knowingly and unknowingly contributes during his lifetime. In JCI, he has found that the service to humanity is the best work of life. As for professional background, for many who do not know, he has been working as a Digital Forensics Analyst for 12 years in the Mauritius Police Force. Furthermore, he is also a lecturer and delivers training and lectures in IT. He has chosen to be the 2020 Local Vice-President Skills and Development because he belives that "Skills and Development of people matters a lot in the contribution to humanity".
I'doumben (Ben) Venkatakistnen - 2020 Local Vice-President Profession: Fund Administrator Passionate about: Public Speaking Trail Running Cooking Ben joined JCI City Plus (Mauritius) in 2019 in order to grow his network but most importantly give a helping hand to those who have not been favoured by life's circumstances. He feels that very often Mauritians are too passive by just complaining on problems that gnaw our society on social media but when it comes to action, everyone sits back comfortably in their couch. After swearing in, he lost no time and stepped in on the Board as the 2020 Local Vice-President (Community Development) because he feels our society needs youngsters to bring positive change. "Be the change you wish to see like Mahatma Gandhi said"
Meet our aspiring member: Tejus
Tarun Nagdan (Tejus), who is a building contractor by profession, has always been inspired by life's nature and simplicity. As director of his own company, he has always been spreading specific values to his employees especially trust since founding his company back in November 2015.
HOBBIES: Badminton Trekking Cycling Street Foot Cooking Reading
However, life has not always been a bed of roses for him since he lost his father back in 2011. At that time, he had to managed both his studies in marketing and management and work at the same time. With the pool of experience and skills he has acquired throughout his career in marketing and through his various jobs, he decided to invest in creating his own construction company, grabbing life by the horns and not stepping back before the challenges that laid in front.
As for himself, he is someone who loves to live life in its simplest way. He believes that one does not stop learning as he looks forward to start a diploma in quantity surveying. He has decided to join JCI City Plus (Mauritius) because he wants to cure people's sufferings and help those in need and we can tell you Tejus that you are at the right PLACE !
Talent Focus:
Gooshma & Photography - an undivided love Photographers are the dedicated, passionate and sometimes half-crazy individuals who are willing to go beyond to show to all of us what needs to be seen and what needs to be known. I think of no greater honour or priviledge than to live a life surrounded by images and amazing individuals who create and share them amongst us.
"Anyone can take a picture‌ a person with a passion sees the picture before it’s taken".
The most valuable trait of a photo is the power it has to take you back to the moment. The beauty of photography is that it has a certain urgency with it. No photo gets taken without the need for it. The moment comes, you have the camera and you decide to press on the shutter-release. That is the nature of photography. A photo is contingent upon a need for it.
Subject and Passion
There is no point in having a camera if you have nothing to shoot. Do not waste your time and energy in trying to spend thousand of rupees on a fancy camera without having a subject. This is crucial to ensure you can have the best photos. Another thing is Passion. Passion is merely the catalyst and dedication that keeps you going. In fact there are three levels of joy in photography: (i) Excitement; (ii) Passion; and (iii) Dedication. Excitement is everywhere and the joy can go as fast as it comes but passion is the next step you always think about. You become curious about it and seek out the answers. You may only become passionate about something once a year. Dedication is a whole other beast. You dedicate your time and life to certain things during your entire lifetime; these could be physical or simply ideas like faith in something or your life partner and for me, photography is one amongst them. Gooshma
Gooshma Kissoondoyal, HR assistant by profession, is a lady who joined JCI City Plus (Mauritius) back in 2019 and is looking forward to swear in this year. She loves cooking, dancing and playing badminton. Even as an aspiring member, she has always been very active and even directed a project, Top Chef 2019. We can only wish her a fruitful journey ahead in JCI.
ROAD SIGNS CLEANING CAMPAIGN On 23 November 2019, JCI City (Plus (Mauritius) under Project Director Vreeshini Raojee organised a road-signs cleaning campaign in Saint-Pierre and despite the strong sun, they managed to clean around 30 road signs in 3 hours! Well done once again!
2019 JCI ACTIVE CITIZENS' DAY On 7 December 2019, we had the Annual JCI Active Citizens' Day. A day where we reward the most active members but also those projets which have been the most impactful. Well done to JCI City Plus (Mauritius) on winning the 100% efficiency. Special stand-out to Vreeshini Raojee who won the Best New Member award and 2020 Local Secretary Chrisinta Chavrimootoo for winning the Best Member award! We also had Andy Ng and I'doumben (Ben) Venkatakistnen who sworn in as new Members. Warmest congratulations also to 2018 Local President Pavan Gopal who became Senator.
12th Anniversary Celebrations Founded in 2007, JCI City Plus (Mauritius) celebrated its 12th anniversary in 2019 and that called for grand celebrations. Rendez-vous was given on 14 December 2019 at Fun Zone in Quatre-Bornes. Not only was it a memorable night where we had gifts sharing and cake cutting but most importantly, our members ended the night with a thrilling laser game !
1st Members Meeting of 2020 If there's a meeting we look forward as JCI members, then that is the monthly Members meeting. On Friday 7 February 2020, we had our first Members' meeting of 2020. This was an absolute exhilarating night where the members were informed of the various projects in the pipeline. In addition, we had the recognition ceremonies of the 2018 Local President Pavan Gopal and the 2019 Local President Geetanjali Ramkishore. An absolute thrilling night that ended with a karaoke session !
Health Drive 2020 Our first mega project kick-started in the home town of our Local President, Montagne Blanche on Saturday 29 February 2020. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Papim and Montagne Blanche Youngsters Association, we organised a blood donation along with a health check and we can tell you it was a success. Throwback to this tiring but wonderful Saturday !!
And the JCI members in action ...
#IWD2020 Campaign
In line with the International Women's Day which was organised on 8 March 2020, JCI City Plus (Mauritius) organised an online campaign to create awareness on how our ladies have helped to shapen our country by showcasing the various achievements of our previous ladies who served as past Local Presidents. A campaign which was welcomed by many and which was concluded by the message of our Local President Jaya on 8 March 2020.
#NoToCOVID19 Campaign With the Coronavirus sparing no country, JCI City Plus (Mauritius) decided to create an online campaign to help sensitise Mauritians on the importance to stay at home to break the contagion but most importantly provide them with various tips on hygiene, general well-being among others while Mauritius is in curfew. Here is a summary of the tips:
JCI and creating
IMPACT !
As a new Board takes charge, one of their goals this year is to increase the visibility of the organisation and we can tell you we are heading in the right direction.
News from JCI Mauritius On 18 and 19 January 2020, JCI Mauritius organised a training for all Local & National Officers of JCI Mauritius. Local President Jaya Mulloo and Local Vice-Presidents Preshan Kissoondoyal and I'doumben (Ben) Venkatakistnen were present. Thank you to 2020 JCI Executive Vice-President Asha Auckloo for being present to give a training session:
On 10 February 2020, National Treasurer and ACF Chair Karishma Ansaram chaired the first ACF Committee of 2020 to discuss on the various community development projects and the ACF framework. Our Local Vice-President I'doumben (Ben) Venkatakistnen was present:
On 27 February 2020, National President Franchette Emilien was invited by the Japan Embassador, his Excellency Mr Kato Yoshiharu to attend a reception on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of his Imperial Majesty of Japan:
On Sunday 1 March 2020, JCI Mauritius organised its first induction training in 2020 for aspiring members in order to prepare them for a wonderful journey in JCI but most importantly to know what are the various values that this organisation embodies. Two of our aspiring members were present namely Lucia Marire and Gooshma Kissoondoyal. We look forward for them to swear in and become JCI members. A special thank you to Senator Ashveena Mewa who was present to monitor the training:
On 11 March 2020, after a LOM/NOM training, JCI Mauritius celebrated the 52th Independence Day of Mauritius with the Local Presidents and our Local President Jaya Mulloo was present:
On 14 March 2020, JCI Mauritius organised a press conference to kickstart the 2020 JCI Mauritius Most Outstanding Young Person (TOYP) 2020 Award:
On 16 March 2020, JCI Mauritius organised a pre-budget consultation session, facilitated by the economist, 2004 National President and Senator Eric Ng. Various members of JCI City Plus (Mauritius) were present namely Local President Jaya Mulloo, 2015 Local President Roumesh Oomah, 2018 Local President Pavan Gopal and Local VicePresident I'doumben (Ben) Venkatakistnen:
JCI Mauritius abroad
2020 JCI Executive Vice-President Asha Auckloo arriving in Burkina Faso to discuss on the upcoming Africa and The Middle East Conference.
2020 JCI Mauritius National President Franchette Emilien attending the 2020 JCI Africa and the Middle East National Presidents' meeting in Lebanon.
JCI All around the world JCI Senegal helping to save agriculture.
JCI Nigeria fight against cervical cancer.
In response to the Coronavirus crisis, JCI members all around the world doubled efforts by broadcasting messages to sensitise the inhabitants of their respective countries.
JCI Honduras for a greener planet.
JCI Philippines helping residents after Taal Volcano disaster.
How to join us? Drop us an email: secretary.jcicity@gmail.com / jaya.mulloo@gmail.com Drop us a message on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jcicityplus