Our Vision/mission/objective
OUR VISION
“Creating Global Understanding through the English Language”
OUR MISSION
To work closely with secondary schools in order to promote and encourage the sharing of ideas through school exchange, talks, debates and competitions using English as the medium of communication. To extend its reach to a wider section of the population and initiate activities to reach a larger audience, especially among younger people.
OUR OBJECTIVES:
- Encouraging the enjoyment and constructive use of English
This is done through various educational programmes, particularly at the secondary school level. The main activities are: (i) the National Public Speaking Competition (ii) the National Spelling Bee Competition and (iii) the Young Commonwealth Essay Competition (formerly known as the Commonwealth Essay Competition).
- Initiating and administering National and International youth exchange.
Every year, the Public Speaking Competition not only gives practical experience to students in the fundamental skills of public speaking but it also enables students across the island to meet, exchange views and form friendships. The national winner of our Public Speaking Competition thereafter competes with national winners from other branches of the ESU in the International Public Speaking Competition that is held yearly in London . Participants have the opportunity to congregate and develop relations with their fellow competitors and attend workshops about public speaking and debating skills. In 2009, 72 participants from 43 countries took part in this very challenging competition. The representative of Mauritius , Mr Sebastien Ng Kuet Leong from St Esprit College, won the first prize at this International Public Speaking Competition.
Mauritius was represented in 2008 at the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Youth Leadership Programme which brought together 25 young people from across the world. The aim of the programme was to encourage students to engage in local peace-building projects in Cyprus and reflect on the theme on a global scale, sharing experiences from their home countries. The programme also helps to fashion leadership skills and helps participants to aspire as future leaders of the Commonwealth. This activity is held every two years.
- Focusing on key current affairs issues through international conferences, seminars and meetings.
Every year, ESU Mauritius nominates one of its members for a part-scholarship to attend the International Relations Conference in Oxford that has been held annually for over 40 years, The conference was attended in 2009 by 34 delegates from 28 countries where the ESU has established a presence. The conference dealt with issues relating to both international relations and to Britain ‘s international role in the world today. The aim of the conference is to provide participants with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Britain and to widen their outlook on world issues. It also offers a unique opportunity to meet and thereafter network with people from various fields, cultures and backgrounds all over the world.
- Providing and creating cultural activities
Every year, one or two teachers from secondary schools are offered part-scholarship(s) to attend the ESU and Globe Education Cultural Seminar for Teachers at the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The seminar provides teachers with insights into the crafts involved in creating a production for the Globe Theatre. Participants are introduced to Globe Education’s approaches to teaching Shakespeare to students of all ages. Furthermore, they meet and work with Globe Theatre staff and Globe Education Practitioners.
- Making full use of the enthusiasm and support of our members
Our members are fully committed to our cause i.e. “Creating Global Understanding through the English language”. Members of our Executive Committee comprise persons who benevolently give of their time and effort to help promote English in Mauritius . Executive members, ordinary members, donors and sponsors contribute in numerous ways, e.g. sitting on our jury panel during our competitions, donate prizes to our winners, sponsor a specific event, give lectures on topical matters to students etc…
