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Care-Co Rodrigues

Care-Co Rodrigues is a privately run Rehabilitation and Production Centre, established as a non-profit small enterprise and registered in Mauritius. It provides training and employment to people with disabilities, ensuring full remuneration and adherence to all government work regulations.

 

Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion Foundation: N/1038

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Services offered
  • The Care-Co Rehabilitation and Production Workshop
History

In 1989, a branch of Craft-Aid (Mauritius) was opened in Rodrigues in a small, rented space in Port Mathurin, initially employing six people with disabilities, including Gonzague Pierre Louis, who is blind and still attends the centre daily even though he is now retired. Today, the organisation has been renamed Care-Co and operates three departments.

 

The Handicraft Department produces a range of wearable and non-wearable novelties primarily made from coconut shell. Another department manufactures beehives, beekeeping equipment, and chain link fencing. The Beekeeping and Honey Processing Department, established in 1994, includes the Michael Duggan Model Teaching Apiary located on the premises. Care-Co operates two sales points: one in the town centre of Port Mathurin and the other at the workshop premises. Regular training courses in beekeeping and handicrafts are provided for graduates of the adjacent Gonzague Pierre Louis Special Learning Centre.

 

Care-Co markets its products both in Mauritius and overseas. The centre has employed up to 35 people in the past, and 15 associated beekeepers with disabilities work from home, supported by the centre with equipment and marketing facilities. The organisation adheres to all government employment regulations, including minimum wage, sick leave, local leave, end-of-year bonuses, paid fares, and medical expenses. All employees contribute to the National Pension Scheme, and uniforms and protective clothing are provided.

 

In 2009, Care-Co's honey was awarded First Prize in Class 6 (Honey from all countries of the world except UK & Ireland) at the National Honey Show in the UK. Additionally, Care-Co was a finalist in the BBC, Newsweek, and Shell World Challenge for Innovative Enterprises Worldwide.

Objectives

Care-Co seeks to provide creative and remunerative employment and production activities for the disabled in Rodrigues. We offer training courses in beekeeping and handicrafts specifically designed for young individuals with disabilities.

Main achievements
  • A workshop and rehabilitation centre in Rodrigues
  • A handicraft production department
  • Two model teaching apiaries
  • Two sales outlets
  • A marketing and sales department
  • A woodwork shop
  • Agents in Mauritius and the UK
Sources of funding
  • Bees for Development
  • Rehab Group
  • Care-Co Shops (Sales)

 

Number of Beneficiaries:

  • 35 full-time employed individuals with disabilities
  • 6 trainees