“What Good May I Do”
Learning and Learning by Doing – simple terms and yet such major differences. At ELI Africa, we are constantly challenged to think about new and creative ways to get young students involved in experiential learning activities. The long Wednesday evenings at the Curepipe office are spent brainstorming on how to motivate, foster and reward creativity of young Mauritian students.
This year, we aim to sensitize college students about the value of, and to take ownership for, the sustained health of their environment through the ELI Club. I gave a series of talks in high schools starting with Seewa Bappoo State Secondary School. Enthused, motivated and eager to make a difference, the girls were ready to do their part for a better Mauritius.
I am proud to let you all in on what they have been up to since my talk. Under the supervision of their teacher, Mrs Ramsurn, the girls have elected their Presidents and other board members of the ELI Club and have started implementing their Plastic Recycling Project. Since May 2014, they have collected and recycled 328 plastic bottles. One of the immediate results of such an awareness campaign is to cut down on the rate of pollution caused by the careless disposal of plastic bottles, both at home and in the schoolyard.
Newly elected members of the ELI Club 2014
ELI Club Members with their daily collect of plastic bottles
On top of their Recycling Project, the girls are also making their school greener by planting endemic trees and shrubs.
The girls said I inspired them to be better citizens but I would say, they inspire me to continue what we have started. These girls represent the future, our future. I am sure that with constant guidance from ELI Africa (Mauritius), the Seewa Bappoo ELI Club will thrive and become a reference for ELI Clubs across the country.
Keep up the great work girls!