Lakaz Lespwar: Fifteen Years of Solidarity in Solitude

An illustration of a child doodling on the street instead of going to school. A neighbor pauses to engage. An impromptu breakfast is set up. Fifteen years later, this spontaneous act has evolved into a support center for families in distress. A report from Solitude, where hope is built daily.

At 8 AM at Lakaz Lespwar, Paquerette Marie and four other volunteers are busy in the solidarity shop. Twice a month, 30 families come to stock up on food at reduced prices. Nearby, Lovela Hilbert opens the doors to the clothing shop. "We sell clothes for around Rs 10 to Rs 100. With this money, we fund lessons, school supplies, and even university studies for the children." This ritual occurs three times a week.

Behind the main building, Marie-Lourdes Vacoa checks the aquaponics systems installed two years ago. "It’s a blend of hydroponics and aquaculture. We’ve implemented this system for ten women who cannot work. It doesn’t require much time each day and allows them to earn an income," she explains.

Welcome to Lakaz Lespwar, "the House of Hope," which celebrates 15 years of existence this year. The story began in 2006, three years before the official opening of the center. Christiane Pasnin, a resident of Solitude, encountered an 8-year-old child on the street in broad daylight. "He should have been in school. I sat beside him while he doodled on a piece of paper. I saw he was very talented."

Curiosity drove her to investigate. "I asked him where he lived, and he told me it was nearby. That evening, I visited him and discovered he was part of a family of five children. None of them were attending school. Their parents were struggling with alcoholism."

The response was immediate. "With the neighbors, we organized a meal that evening. We thought it was essential for these children to attend school. We began supporting this family. With the help of the neighbors, we prepared food parcels to ensure they had something to eat."

But one case led to another. "It then expanded to several families. At one point, we realized it wasn’t enough." Christiane rallied the women in the neighborhood. "I contacted retired women in the area and shared the situation with them. We started the Breakfast Project. We had no funds, so everyone contributed something: butter, cups..."

From breakfast to a support center

The parish priest offered the church’s workroom space. "I asked the then-priest if we could have a place to serve breakfast. We welcomed twelve children."

The number quickly surged. "Then, 71 families from various regions moved into the area. We visited them and saw that their situations were complicated too. We ended up with 40 children."

The initiative evolved. "Over time, we realized these children needed more than just breakfast; they couldn’t read either. So we asked high school students and other volunteers to help with tutoring in the afternoons, and during school holidays, we organized activities."

The workroom became too small. Moreover, the team wanted to go beyond a purely parish scope. "The church’s workroom was no longer suitable because of the number of children. We thought of another location. At the same time, we wanted to make it clear that we do not only welcome Catholics."

Terra offered a plot of land. Caritas Île Maurice and the CIEL Foundation joined the project. "Caritas Île Maurice helped us establish the project. We received training. The CIEL Foundation also supported us." In 2010, the Lakaz Lespwar center was inaugurated. "In 2011, we launched a therapeutic and community garden." This took a new turn with aquaponics.

Psychological support also plays a central role. "We have a support group for women whose children or spouses have fallen into drug addiction. We were trained by Lakaz A. We offer an evening space for meetings," Christiane Pasnin specifies.

Comprehensive support

Fifteen years later, the philosophy remains the same. "Our main mission today is to welcome and listen to families in distress. This builds trust, and once trust is established, we can provide support. We help people grow, realize their life projects, and escape poverty in every sense," explains Christiane Pasnin.

This approach is aligned with the mission of Caritas Île Maurice, which is "to work for the integral development of the person – economically, socially, and personally. There is a pedagogy that begins with listening and continues with support." The result: a network of activities that addresses almost all identified needs on the ground.

For the youth, the offerings are structured. "We also have a sports area for the youth. We want them to consider this as a professional option. We have an athletics club with professional coaches. For the younger ones, we have a karate club to instill discipline."

Additionally, there is a multi-sport field, a talking group for youth, and collaborations with other NGOs. For the littlest ones, a preschool center operates with transport, breakfast, and three annual free outings. "So mothers can go to work," emphasizes Christiane.

The strength of volunteers

Behind every activity are dozens of volunteers. "What gives strength and soul here is the commitment of the volunteers," asserts Christiane Pasnin.

Lovela Hilbert has been here for eight years and has been in charge of the clothing shop for five years. Paquerette Marie runs the food shop. Marie-Lourdes Vacoa manages the garden and trains other women in aquaponics. Each one contributes their time, skills, and presence.

The model relies on this continuity: people from the neighborhood who know the families, understand their needs, and adjust the responses. "We have worked with other NGOs in the field," adds Christiane.

In 2025, Lakaz Lespwar continues to welcome, listen, and support. Activities are maintained, with some being strengthened. The solidarity shop remains open. The garden is productive. The preschool center operates. Sports clubs supervise the youth.

"We help people grow, realize their life projects, and escape poverty in every sense," recalls Christiane Pasnin. "We have a space for women, youth, and children. It’s a place for welcome, listening, and sharing."

The little boy who was doodling in the street in 2006 is now 27 years old. We do not know what has become of him. But in Solitude, dozens of other children have since found breakfast, academic support, and a space to grow.

Fifteen years later, Lakaz Lespwar remains true to its name: "the House of Hope." A space where hope takes root every day.