The first edition of the Bouze Zenes programme has successfully concluded in November 2024, marking a milestone in the empowerment of the youth across Bel Ombre and the surrounding regions, including Baie du Cap, St Martin, Rivière des Galets, and Choisy. This pioneering social initiative, funded by Heritage Villas Valriche, a subsidiary of Agrïa, and supported by Rogers Hospitality under the aegis of the Rogers Foundation, has been essential in nurturing essential skills and personal growth opportunities for more than 100 young individuals aged 13 to 24 over the past seven months.
Project Overview
The Bouze Zenes programme, a collaborative effort backed by our subsidiaries, Agrïa and Rogers Hospitality, was made possible through partnership with esteemed NGOs like Lovebridge, PILS, DRIP, Active Mauritius, and JA Mascareignes. The initiative focuses on three key areas:
- Personal Development: More than 100 young individuals have been encouraged to grow both personally and socially through dynamic workshops tailored to a variety of interests and developmental needs. Highlights of their journey included educational visits to sites such as Odysseo, Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, La Vanille Nature Park, World of Seashells, and the Heritage Marine Education Centre.
- Sports Participation and Fitness: Participants were introduced to new sports, including Stand Up Paddleboarding, and engaged in regular physical activities to foster well-being and fitness, with opportunities to explore various regions through these activities.
- Employability Skills: Equipping participants with crucial skills such as job retention, workplace readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to enhance their career prospects.
Alignment with Rogers' Strategic S&ID Framework
Bouze Zenes aligns seamlessly with Rogers' strategic focus, as outlined in its Sustainability and Inclusive Development Framework. Specifically, the programme supports two of the framework's five pillars: inclusive development and vibrant communities. This alignment underscores the commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive future for the Bel Ombre region.
A successful certificate ceremony and new opportunities ahead
The Bouze Zenes programme concluded its first edition with a certificate ceremony on 29 November 2024 at La Place du Moulin. Around 100 young individuals celebrated the successful completion of the programme and received certificates acknowledging their commitment and growth. This event marked the culmination of a journey that not only enhanced their skills but also instilled a sense of pride and achievement.
“I have been part of the Bouze Zenes programme. Since April 2024, I have learned a lot, discovered new things, and made new friends. I encouraged the youth to join this programme whenever they can,” shares Gregory Pénélope, one of the participants of Bouze Zenes.
“We started with a small group of about fifty youngsters. As the project gained momentum, our sessions, conducted in collaboration with various NGOs and partners, attracted increasingly more participants. The first graduation ceremony symbolises the successful impact of these young individuals. It has been a privilege to support them from the outset.” explains Priscille Noël, Head of Social Impact at Rogers Group.
Anticipating continued interest from both the children and parents, Bouze Zenes is continuing in 2025. Additional activities such as boxing and football, will be incorporated, and expanding to include art and music. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of Bouze Zenes. To learn more and become part of this growing community, visit the Bouze Zenes Facebook page.
