By Joshila Dhaby, Immigration Support Associate at African Leadership College (ALC)
In our diverse island nation, where multi-ethnicity and multilingualism define our unique society, proactive community engagement and education stand as powerful catalysts for positive social change. Amidst the challenges posed by a growing migrant population, lies a golden opportunity for institutions and stakeholders to play a pivotal role in enhancing social cohesion. Allow me to share my reflections on recent community initiatives spearheaded by the African Leadership College (ALC).
As the Immigration Support Associate at ALC, my commitment extends beyond conventional immigration support. It revolves around cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment for our migrant students from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. In essence, it is about fostering social cohesion among our students and actively contributing to the positive transformation of our community.
As a proud Mauritian, I firmly believe that our challenges and opportunities are intricately woven into the fabric of community initiatives. Our recent endeavours, including a beach cleanup initiative and an endemic tree planting project, go beyond symbolism. They are strategic moves to fully integrate ALC and its students into the local community. The guidance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been instrumental in shaping these initiatives towards effective social cohesion.
The beach cleanup at Anse La Raie in November showcased the enthusiasm of our young students firsthand. Collaborating with the local population on eco-responsibility not only transcended the act itself but became a powerful symbol of collaboration. In less than an hour, we collectively removed over 50 kilograms of trash, a testament to the transformative power of collective action. We were not just migrant students and locals; we were a unified community with a shared vision for a cleaner and healthier environment.
The subsequent Community Gardening event in partnership with Green Village Le Morne in December further exemplified ALC’s commitment to social inclusion and environmental responsibility. It was not merely an exercise in planting; it was an opportunity for deeper cultural exchange and understanding.
ALC’s unwavering support for these community-driven initiatives extends beyond academic boundaries, reflecting the institution’s commitment to nurturing leadership and community integration. ALC is not satisfied with being solely an educational institution; it thrives on acting as a catalyst for positive social change. Indeed, we are not just preparing students for careers; we are cultivating mindsets geared towards global citizenship and environmental responsibilities.
I express gratitude to our local partners—The Ministry of Youth and Sports, Attitude Hotel, Green Village, Eclosia, and Gros Cailloux—who have been instrumental in boosting our commitment to collective impact. The African proverb, ‘Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it,’ encapsulates the collective effort and shared wisdom underpinning our initiatives at ALC. From logistical aid to coordination and manpower, they played a pivotal role in the success of these community events.
Looking ahead, ALC envisions expanding community engagements by seamlessly integrating them into the leadership curriculum. The goal is to create deeper and more meaningful connections, preparing students not just for careers, but for a lifetime of active participation in societal development. At ALC, we believe that such enlightening and inclusive experiences will equip our students to drive positive change in their communities and contribute to a more sustainable future.