MPRB - Mouvement pour le Progrès de Roche Bois

• MPRB supports 11 pre-primary schools in Roche-Bois by providing training for parents and teachers and assisting in improving school infrastructure.
• The organisation offers educational and social support to primary school children in the local area through remedial classes and educational activities.
• MPRB provides social and academic guidance to 25 young people who are out of the school system, helping them overcome their precarious situations and encouraging them to develop their talents.
• The organisation ensures continuous development and support by offering ongoing training for programme leaders and parents of the beneficiaries.
• MPRB collaborates with local primary schools to promote moral values among students through various activities.

Beneficiaries: MPRB's services benefit a wide range of individuals, including 30 full-time participants in the "School Support Programme," 70 primary and prevocational school students receiving educational support, and 30 secondary school students who also benefit from the organisation's support.

The MPRB was founded in July 1993 following a peaceful protest march by the residents of Roche Bois. The protest was against the Port Louis Municipal Council's decision to demolish a green space, a kindergarten, and a playground to construct a municipal garage next to a dump, which was already causing significant environmental issues for Roche Bois. According to the municipal council at the time, the decision was motivated by the fact that the mentioned infrastructure could not continue to operate next to a dump and an animal quarantine station.

This mobilisation sparked an awareness among the residents of Roche Bois, resulting in a sense of responsibility for active participation in improving the socio-economic and political situation of the neighbourhood. MPRB and its members decided to not only organise protests as needed but also to engage in collaborative efforts with various authorities, institutions, economic operators, and other associations in the area to improve the living conditions of the residents of Roche Bois and its surroundings.

Since 1999, MPRB has expanded its activities on both national and regional/international levels. From 1999 to the present, MPRB has hosted the national secretariat of the Southern Africa Human Rights NGO Network (SAHRINGON), a network of organisations advocating for human rights in the Southern Africa region. MPRB has coordinated all network activities covering the Indian Ocean region, including Seychelles, Madagascar, and the Comoros.

• To advocate for the fundamental rights of the residents of Roche Bois and surrounding areas.
• To improve the education levels within the neighbourhood.
• To promote the socio-economic and environmental development of Roche Bois through active participation of its residents.

Programmes initiated by MPRB to improve education levels and respect for human rights:

• School support projects for primary school children.
• Parental education programmes.
• Adult literacy courses.
• Human rights education sessions.
• Family support projects.

• Patatrak Boum (1994): 

This 10-week programme involved 50 students from two primary schools in Roche Bois (Emmanuel Anquetil and Nicolay). It included elocution contests, quizzes, dances, hotel and factory visits, and more, aimed at stimulating children's expressive abilities while enriching their general knowledge. The programme was supported by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) of Port Louis.

• Teen Hope Roche Bois (1996-1998): 

A three-year programme targeting 30 youths over 13 years old who had failed C.P.E primary school exams twice. These youths were too old for primary school, too young to work (not yet 16 years old), and unqualified for secondary school. At that time, there were at least 100 similar cases annually in Roche Bois. By the end of the programme, at least 15 participants successfully completed job placements and were employed by their respective employers.

• Projet d’Accompagnement Social & Scolaire (PASS 2001) (1999-2001): 

This programme supported 176 fourth-year primary school children from two schools in Roche Bois with academic and social follow-up until their final primary exams in 2001. A team of facilitators ensured regular follow-up between the school and the children's families. The project led to the creation of the Parents' School, training about 100 parents to support their children's primary education and overall well-being.

• Ensemble Construisons Ton Avenir (2001-2003): 

This project provided specialised training for teachers in 11 pre-primary schools in Roche Bois, benefiting 400 students. Funded by the Mauritius Commercial Bank, the project included training from the Pre-School Trust Fund and the Institute for Child's Rights. The Mauritius Commercial Bank also provided necessary pedagogical materials for the better development of the students. This project proved to be an effective preparation for these children of Roche Bois for their entry into primary school.

• Ecole des Parents (2001-present): 

Originating from the PASS 2001 project, the Parents' School was established to train parents to support their children's education at home. The need for parental training became evident during the PASS 2001 project to ensure that children received proper support at home. Sponsored by the Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd, the school was set up with residential workshops led by experts from the Institute for Child’s Rights (ICR), chaired by educator Rajendra Kumar (Shyam) Reedha, and the Pre-primary School Trust Fund. Since its inception, the Parents' School continues to operate effectively.

• Cours de Base en Langue Anglaise (2003-present): 

Initially run by the group ENG (English for New Generation) in collaboration with the British Council, this course was taken over by MPRB volunteers to meet the demand from Chagossian residents of Roche Bois wanting to learn English to facilitate their relocation to England.

• Club de Lecture & Ecriture (2003-present): 

This project initially benefitted around 100 students from Emmanuel Anquetil School in Roche Bois (Std III to VI) who were referred by the headmaster at the time, Mr. Baligadoo as slow learners needing special support. A group of facilitators, trained by Mr. Judex Viramalay (former consultant in pedagogy at the Ministry of Education), took charge of the children three times a week. The project aims to stimulate children's interest in reading and writing to motivate them to be more attentive in class. The project is still ongoing and now serves over 100 children from various nearby primary schools.

• Encadrement des Enfants de Rues / Zeness La Limier (2006-present): 

Starting as "Club de l’Espoir" under the DCP with support from the Joseph Lagesse Foundation and the Rotary Club of Port Louis, this project initially supported 60 street children in Roche Bois. After the DCP contract ended in 2009, MPRB continued with a permanent programme for 25 youths aged 12 to 16, renamed "Zeness La Limier," with support from various sponsors and institutions.

• Integrated Development of Families (2013-present): 

Funded by the European Union through the DCP, this project aligns with MPRB's objectives to improve the conditions of families in Roche Bois. The project targets around 50 children (aged 12-16) and their families. It includes training sessions for both children and their parents, ensuring follow-up on various activities to empower the children within their homes. Activities include wood carving, sports, yoga, medical check-ups, psychological consultations, and educational sessions conducted by various organisations such as AIDS Unit, Action Familiale, Centre de Solidarité, Brigade des Mineurs, and the Association pour la Protection des Emprunteurs Abusés.

The celebration of International Family Day on May 17 aligns with the project's activities.

• National CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) fund
• Diverse donations from individuals and organisations
• Fundraising events