The residential seminar was the culmination of a yearlong training and coaching programme for 110 young people with intellectual disabilities from 7 NGOs (APEIM, Southern Handicapped Association, Anou Grandi, Autisme Maurice, CEPEH, Amour Sans Frontière) on independent living.  The Self-Advocacy programme empowers adolescents and young adults with intellectual disability to advocate for their rights themselves, develop their independent living skills before they integrate the employability programme. 

The seminar was an opportunity for the Self-Advocates to demonstrate the skills they acquired through the programme; presentation skills, voicing out their concerns and seeking solutions together and to reflect on their future as independent human beings, the available opportunities, the existing challenges and how to overcome these challenges and on topics they wish to work on in 2025.

Since 2021, Inclusion Mauritius has trained over 400 Self-Advocates who every year participate actively on specific advocacy topics.  The motto of Self-advocates is “Diboute, Ecoute nou, Marche avec nous” (Stand up, Listen to us and Walk with us) which symbolizes the willingness to normalize disability and promote inclusion at large.  The objective of the programme is to provide training and coaching to young adults with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to advocate for their rights, stand up for themselves, and develop independent living skills.

To support Inclusion Mauritius and young Self-Advocates or to benefit from their services, please contact Inclusion Mauritius on 467 1711 or by mail: pooja.inclusionm@gmail.com, or on Inclusion Mauritius webpage https://www.inclusionmauritius.org/ or on their facebook page.