McDonald's Mauritius Makes Vulnerable Children a Priority

McDonald's Mauritius aims to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children facing daily challenges as part of its Global Volunteer Program. On October 31, McDonald's Mauritius provided support to the specialized school of the Association for the Handicapped of Malherbes (APLHDM) in Curepipe. This initial effort marks the start of a series of solidarity initiatives, including dedicated support for this cause.

Founded by Marie Rose Angelique, the association welcomes children with special educational needs. In this spirit of solidarity, the specialized school received material and human support from the golden-arched brand. On that day, 30 employees of McDonald's Mauritius rolled up their sleeves to carry out renovation work at the school, assisted by a construction professional. Thanks to this collective effort, the school’s exterior walls were entirely repainted. Equipment such as a television, air conditioning, and tables were provided to enhance the children’s quality of life. Additionally, McDonald's Mauritius has initiated plans to set up an outdoor playground that will play a vital role in the children’s development, as well as specialized equipment for the physiotherapy room and a park designed for children in wheelchairs.

Commenting on this initiative, Udesh Wijesuriya, Managing Director at McDonald's Mauritius, stated, "Our role in society goes far beyond just fast food service. We are actively engaged with the community through the direct involvement of our employees because we want to have a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. Today’s solidarity day was a true moment of sharing and exchange, but it also reminded us how crucial it is to support the most vulnerable in society."

Marie Rose Angelique expressed her heartfelt gratitude to McDonald's Mauritius and its teams: "The assistance provided by McDonald's is invaluable in many ways, as it allows us to offer children the tools to learn and thrive while creating an environment conducive to their development. What touched us most was the commitment of the management and their team: kind and humble individuals who shared special moments with our children. They truly saw each child as a person, not just as someone with a disability. The smiles and joy on our students’ faces testify to the impact of this day."

A mural was created as a symbol of collective effort, concluding this first action on an artistic and deeply symbolic note. Conceptualized by Blast Burson and created hand-in-hand with the children and employees of McDonald's Mauritius, this colorful artwork illustrates the joy, imagination, and wonder of children in the face of nature, whether through adventures at sea, discoveries in the forest, or the magic of learning. Each painted symbol represents the dreams, curiosity, and friendships shared during this special day. "This mural is more than just a drawing on a wall; it reflects an unforgettable day where every smile counted," concluded Udesh Wijesuriya.

The APLHDM advocates for the most vulnerable. Founded by Marie Rose Angelique, the Association for the Handicapped of Malherbes (APLHDM) works to assist underprivileged children and differently-abled individuals in Mauritius. The association is structured into three complementary areas: a shelter for children placed there by the Child Development Unit, often from violent families or those who have experienced trauma; a specialized school for children struggling to adapt to the traditional school system as well as differently-abled children; and a daycare center for differently-abled adults.

Through educational and sports activities, the association strives to improve the quality of life for differently-abled individuals while ensuring their social integration.