Fédération des Maisons Familiales Rurales
MFR Training Centres (Maisons Familiales Rurales) provide vulnerable and marginalised youth with stability in their lives by offering technical and professional training. Our programmes help develop various skills and turn them into viable careers, including hairdressing, agriculture, mechanics, carpentry, electricity, ICT, animal husbandry, welding, cooking, and catering.
In addition to technical skills, MFR Training Centres offer life skills training with a focus on health issues such as HIV/AIDS, genetic health, nutrition, child education, peer counselling, and the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. Our goal is to provide a holistic approach to empowerment, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional success.
The primary activity of MFR Training Centres is to strengthen the relationship between labour market improvement and increased income for vulnerable families. This is achieved through strategies that promote activity diversification, economic pluriactivity, and job creation. By providing entrepreneurial skills, support for micro-projects, and professional training, we create sustainable learning opportunities that foster socio-economic empowerment and inclusion.
MFR Training Centres aim to empower socio-economically marginalized and vulnerable youth, as well as their families and disadvantaged communities. We provide marketable livelihoods and professional skills to improve employment opportunities, enable youth to create viable income-generating projects, and break the cycle of marginalisation and vulnerability that undermines individuals, communities, and national development prospects.
girls aged 15 to 18) facing social and educational challenges in Mauritius and Rodrigues. In many regions, up to 60% of young people in rural and peri-urban areas lack stable employment and MFR recognises the importance of education and job opportunities for a decent and harmonious life.
Many employers report a shortage of qualified workers. By providing professional training, MFR Training Centres help young people achieve social and professional integration. As more youth receive training, their families can escape poverty, leading to improved social conditions.
MFR's education and training programmes enhance the technical abilities of young people. Listening and counselling services, offered by mentors and professionals, improve their chances of social and professional integration. Collaborations with professional groups help guide their careers, enhancing their quality of life.
Our training programmes also reduce illiteracy and facilitate integration by creating opportunities for self-employment or salaried work.
The Federation of Maisons Familiales Rurales (FMFR) of Mauritius and Rodrigues, established in 2010, strengthens the MFR network, enhancing our efforts to support vulnerable and marginalised groups, especially youth and mothers facing extreme poverty.
After more than two decades, the Federation has become the primary partner for its members. Currently, there are five active MFRs across the Republic of Mauritius:
- Maison Familiale Rurale du Nord in Calebasses (1993)
- Maison Familiale Rurale de la Savanne in Souillac (2008)
- Maison Familiale Rurale de Rodrigues Zone 3 in Malartic (2009)
- Maison Familiale Rurale de L'Est in Camp Raffia, Centre de Flacq (2011)
- Maison Familiale Rurale de la Ferme in Rodrigues (2015)
We are in the process of creating three new MFR associations in Mahebourg, Vacoas, and Rivière Noire. These new centres will provide socio-professional training to more vulnerable and marginalised families, expanding our mission of empowerment and inclusion.
Our Vision
- To eradicate poverty by providing training for socially and family-challenged youth.
- To reduce unemployment among marginalised young boys and girls.
- To contribute to and participate in local development.
- To train young professionals to address the shortage of qualified workers.
Our Mission
- To raise awareness among youth about the value of family.
- To promote environmental protection.
- To improve the quality of life for member families.
- To strengthen community life.
- To train young people to be more responsible.
Our Beneficiaries: MFR Training Centres target out-of-school and socio-economically vulnerable youth from marginalised rural and peri-urban communities. This includes orphans, street youth, those from broken families, youth with insufficient cultural levels, fear of failure, lack of future prospects, school failure, family breakdown, lack of role models, lack of affection, uneducated youth, those lacking skills, and those facing illiteracy.
- Organising recruitment campaigns and holding meetings with families to engage and inform them about our training programmes and interviewing school dropouts to understand their needs and challenges.
- Identifying suitable locations for the establishment of four new training centres, searching for local partners to collaborate on the implementation of the training project and ensuring community involvement and support.
- Acquiring necessary tools, school supplies, sports equipment, and educational materials to facilitate effective training and learning experiences.
- Offering upgrading, literacy, and socialisation programmes for out-of-school youth to help them reintegrate into the education system or workforce.
- Providing comprehensive training and regular evaluations for the youth to monitor their progress and development.
- Tracking the success and retention of youth in their new job placements to ensure long-term employment and career growth.
- Recruiting qualified trainers to deliver educational activities and training sessions, ensuring high-quality instruction and support.
- Conducting training sessions for trainers to enhance their skills and teaching methods, ensuring they can effectively support the youth.
- Organising training sessions for families to equip them with the knowledge and skills to support their children's learning and development.
- Meetings with various professional sectors to produce technical and training reference materials to ensure our programmes are aligned with industry standards and needs.
- Organising two workshops with professionals and families to foster collaboration and share best practices in training and support.
- Providing training sessions on nutrition and healthy eating for youth and their families.
- Setting up well-equipped school canteens in each MFR.
- Organising medical check-ups for youth and their families.
- Facilitating meetings between families and professionals to encourage family involvement in the learning process and to support the youth's development.
- Engaging with technical and financial partners to support the establishment of formal micro-enterprises and provide additional resources for training.
- Preparing boys and girls for the job market by providing relevant skills and training that meet industry demands.
- Improving the quality of training and job support by enhancing the skills of trainers and involving families in the educational process.
- Creating networks with professionals, entrepreneurs, and other socio-economic partners to provide youth with opportunities and support.
- Enhancing the nutritional balance and health of youth and their families through targeted programmes and initiatives.
- Working to improve the economic situation of poor families by providing training and support that lead to better job opportunities and income.
Our funding comes from various organisations that support our mission and programmes:
- Union Nationale des Maisons Familiales Rurales de France (AFD Programme)
- Fédération des Maisons Familiales Rurales de la Reunion (DCP Programme)
- Fondation des Maisons Familiales Rurales dans le Monde
- International Financial Services (DCP Programme)
- Rotary Club de Grand Baie (DCP Programme)
- Stock Exchange of Mauritius