Originally, Lacaz A was created to provide a welcoming space for adults in distress, including those who are homeless, addicted to drugs, and/or living with HIV. Working with young people was not their main objective.
A few years ago, a group of 14-15 year-old came knocking at the door of Lacaz A when they were looking for information for a school project. Through the encounters, these young people progressively opened up about their personal experiences and the visits took the form of expression groups.
The existing team noted the need for these young people to have space where they could express themselves freely and be listened to genuinely and without being judged. Lacaz A then decided to formalised these meetings and started sessions on Lifeskills and “L’Ecoute” for young people.
The meetings eventually became structured residential weekends, based on the existing techniques at Lacaz A, so as to offer that space to these young people. The target is on young people living in particularly vulnerable situations. The focus lies on self-awareness and self-esteem, as well as on support and tools centered around the idea of making the right choice.
The sessions generally take place twice a year: in April and August, and include some ten facilitators, including the Positive Peers, a group of young people volunteering for Lacaz A to organize youth meetings. For each CADO weekend, around ten weekly sessions are held in advance, typically 2-3 months before the weekend, to prepare and train the facilitators.
Note: Fundraising
Lacaz A is currently seeking funding for urgent repairs in the house located on St Georges Street, Port-Louis. To support Lacaz A: 212-7541