Zanfan Patrimwann (Youth's Heritage)

You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.

I intend to return home with a plan for a series of workshops that connect Mauritius's youth with our country's elders, who hold decades of wisdom and knowledge about our cultural and natural heritage. This, in turn, will help mitigate the loss of this heritage through the years. As environmental issues like plastic pollution, climate change, and deforestation continue to pose problems for island countries like mine, it will be up to the next generation to stay motivated, informed, and educated.

The Project is entitled "Zenfan Patrimwann," which means “Youth Heritage” in English.

Through the logo, we are reminded that our heritage forms the very foundation of this project.

The image of the tree growing into hands, embracing the figures at the top, tells a story of how the project will strengthen our roots and pass them on from the elders to the youth.

The central figure vividly portrays the elder, surrounded by children on either side, symbolizing the continuity of our traditions to the next generation.

In our rapidly changing world, we can see how the disconnect between children and nature deepens, impacting their appreciation for biodiversity and understanding ecological systems. Equally troubling is the erosion of cultural heritage, with children spending less time with elders who can pass down valuable traditions and stories.

Studies show that urbanization, technological advancements, and  increased screen time have reshaped our lifestyles , depriving many children of direct interactions with nature and their cultural heritage. Surveys from  Western countries show a dramatic decline in children's outdoor play  and visits to natural environments compared to previous generations. This detachment not only limits their appreciation for biodiversity but also their understanding of ecological systems, the importance of conservation, and the rich cultural traditions of their communities.

In the course of doing my research for this project, I came across some information that is key to showcasing that more action is needed to ensure the passion and knowledge around our cultural and natural heritage are not lost over the years. For instance, I found some alarming numbers on the rate of visits from to Aapravasi Ghat.

The Aapravasi Ghat site is of profound historical significance as it stands as a testament to the experience of indentured laborers in the 19th century. This immigration depot is the sole surviving example of the modern diaspora of indentured labor. Situated on the bay of Trou Fanfaron in the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, the Aapravasi Ghat is now a protected National Heritage site under the National Heritage Fund Act 2003 and the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund Act 2001. The site is open to the public for visitation.

These numbers were tallied from the  Aapravasi Ghat's Annual Reports . Although there is only a 13% difference, it is pretty significant from the perspective that it is one of a handful of sites actively included in the school curriculum and only represents the cultural heritage of one ethnic group. This raises an important question: What about other sites that some young Mauritians might not know about, which are not equally promoted but are equally important?

Similarly, many young Mauritians lack awareness of the ongoing conservation efforts in our country and do not realize their potential to play an active role in these important initiatives. With five years of experience in the conservation field, I've seen firsthand how difficult it is to recruit local staff. Even though events are organized to highlight the outstanding work of certain organizations, it's crucial to recognize that some young individuals are not in contact with these initiatives due to their socioeconomic status or the schools they attend.

For this reason, addressing this disconnection is imperative for the future of our planet and our cultural legacy. Zenfan Patrimwann aims to provide inclusive and engaging educational opportunities that emphasize the interconnectedness of cultural and natural heritage. I aim to empower the next generation to take meaningful action towards a sustainable and culturally rich future by fostering environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation amongst the youth.

I plan to collaborate with community members, schools, and local organizations to offer nature walks, hands-on conservation activities, cultural storytelling sessions, and socio-ecological workshops. Combining these elements provides a holistic education approach that fosters environmental and cultural stewardship.

From immersive activities in nature to captivating presentations on our culture, I envision a program that will leave an indelible mark on the souls of the participants. The youth will be presented with various outdoor sessions and workshops spanning our core themes to gain knowledge and acquire new skills. After that, they will have the opportunity to create a piece of art - a story, a song, a poem, a drawing, or a map - that reflects Mauritius's natural or cultural heritage.

     The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if one has free time or if one can afford it. Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation. 

I chose a creative piece as the final project because creativity can be expressed differently and unifies. It helps each participant express how they feel about what they've learned and is a moment for them to leverage the new skills acquired through the different workshops.

All the projects will then be combined to create a collective impact project to share with the community.

As I lead and meticulously plan this project, my heart brims with hope and determination. I sincerely desire to ignite a spark in the hearts of the coming generation, to instill in them a deep understanding of the significance of preserving our island's natural and cultural legacy. My aspiration is that through this initiative, these young minds will acknowledge the splendor of our island's heritage and feel a resounding call to action to safeguard it for generations to come. By instilling this passion and understanding, I firmly believe we can propel future champions who will ardently protect and champion our island's natural and cultural treasures.

Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.

To explore this project further or discuss potential collaboration, please don't hesitate to contact me directly by clicking the button below or connect with me on LinkedIn using the link provided.