Private Sector Partners and NGOs Honored for Contributions to NICE 2026 Implementation

In recognition of their valuable contributions and collective efforts towards the successful implementation of the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) 2026, shields were presented, yesterday, to representatives from private sector companies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

A total of 17 private sector partners and 20 NGOs were honoured during a ceremony held at the Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall in Port Louis, in the presence of the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Kan Oye Fong Weng-Poorun.

In her keynote address, Mrs Fong Weng-Poorun conveyed the deep gratitude of the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, to the partners for stepping forward during a critical time for the Nation. "Through the NICE initiative, you are supporting a noble cause—one that helps our children understand the Mauritian Nation and actively participate in building it," she stated. She reiterated that Government views young Mauritians as essential to the Nation's progress and places immense faith in their potential as the architects of the country's future.

The Secretary for Home Affairs further noted that the extensive support provided by private sector partners—ranging from materials to sponsored activities—will help ensure that the children take away lifelong, memorable experiences from the initiative. She added that the financial backing provided by several partners will significantly bolster the project's implementation.

Commending the participation of NGOs, she highlighted their essential role in working alongside Government to address key societal issues, noting that community is one of the core pillars of the NICE framework. She emphasised their contribution in helping young participants understand how society functions, the principles of democracy and the importance of mutual respect, while instilling in them the values of community service, peace, justice and liberty, and encouraging their active integration into society.

Moreover, addressing recent social unrest involving young people, Mrs Fong Weng-Poorun pointed out that together the right solution will be found, which begins with education. “Our objective through NICE is to introduce civic education at an early age, enabling children to become good citizens of both the Republic and the world”, she emphasised.

She reassured that the Prime Minister's Office will guarantee the continuity of the NICE project, advancing its overarching vision to foster a more united, equitable, and proud nation.