Annual General Meeting

Members are kindly convened to the Annual General Meeting of the English-Speaking UnionMauritius to be held at the British Council, Rose-Hill on Monday 16^th April 2012 at 15.15 hours.

Agenda 

1. Reading of the minutes of the last AGM
2. To receive the report of President for the year 2011
3. To approve the audited accounts for the year 2011
4. Any other business

Members of the Union wishing to raise any matter under item (4) above are requested to advise the Secretary by Tuesday 10^th April 2012, before noon, either by letter or telephone of the content of their intervention.

Note: Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Rajen Gangoosingh

Secretary

Our National Winner for the 2012 Public Speaking Competition is Sidharth DEEPCHAND of College du St Esprit.   

Sidharth impressed the jury panel with his speech “Get moving, Accept the Challenge” in line with this year’s National theme “The wisdom of youth”.  He will represent ESU-Mauritius at the International Public Speaking Competition to be held at HSBC Headquarters in Canary wharf, in London, from 14^th to 18^th May 2012.

The runner-up was Yuri Mulleegadoo of Royal College Port Louis.

Members of our jury panel were: H.E. Mr Nick Leake, British High Commissioner, Ms Dawn Long, Director of the British Council, and Mr Steve Parish, Head of Human Resources of HSBC Mauritius.  Mr Parish said: “I was impressed by both the enthusiasm shown by the students and the high degree of literacy they demonstrated.  The topics chosen were very interesting.  I wish to convey my appreciation to the ESU for creating such an opportunity for the young people of Mauritius.  I hope that the students will keep us the good work”

ESU brought a major change to the competition this year.  At the semi-finals, the participants were asked to deliver an impromptu speech from a list of three topics given to them fifteen minutes in advance.  Prior to the semi-finals, ESU organized a workshop on public speaking skills so as to improve the participants’ speaking skills and enhance their overall performance.  Nine participants, including the winner for Rodrigues’ competition, reached the Finals.

The theme for the International Public Speaking Competition is “The Head or the Heart”.  Sidharth will have to compete against National winners of some 45 countries.  He, along with the other participants, will receive training from experts, gain skills to hone their communications skills and have the opportunity to visit some of the beautiful venues in London, including Hampton Court Palace and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 

ESU would like to thank HSBC for sponsoring the Public Speaking Competition, British Council for offering prizes to all Finalists in Mauritius and to all participants in Rodrigues, and Air Mauritius for offering a rebate on the air ticket to London.

Our appreciation to Mr Troy Fitrell, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy and to Mr C Bhugun, Ag Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts & Culture for their presence. 

Last, but not least, thank you to Mr Sanjit Teelock, our Master of ceremony, all members of the juries for the heats, semi-finals and finals, the host schools, participating schools and all participants. 

You have all contributed to making this annual event such a successful event!

Season’s greetings from the

English-Speaking Union.

Best wishes for the New Year!

May this new year find you
healthier and happier,
looking forward
to fresh, revitalizing interests,
a variety of pleasures,
interesting new people,
material and personal successes
to make this new year
the best one yet.
Happy New Year!

A sugar-coated experience

By Arthi Deenoo, National ESU-PSC Winner 2006, Mauritius

From the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Secondary School, Moka

“Creating Global understanding through English;” such is the mission of the English Speaking Union (ESU). One of the leading cultural organisations in the world, the ESU has engaged itself in several activities to enforce enjoyment and constructive use of English for all age groups. As is customary of the organization; for more that fifteen years now, the ESU is organising the Public Speaking Competition (PSC) in Mauritius. More than a competition, the annual meeting is an event of prime importance on the agenda of most colleges round the island. Participating and as far as possible winning this prestigious competition is a matter of immense happiness and pride for all. At the same time, the very huge number of participants (more than fifty) is indicative of the level of toughness of the competition. As has so well been said by the American Football coach Vince Lombardi: “Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is,” it is therefore with this motivation that I participated in the PSC organised by the ESU in the year 2006. As in the previous years, the competition was bound to be a tough one, especially with the great number of participants from colleges such as QEC, RCC, RCP and St. Esprit which are not only among the high profile colleges of the island but also, precedent winners of the competition. I was representing the Mahatma Gandhi Institute which in spite of being itself a high rated establishment and having been into the finals for years, had never won the first prize. This very fact only rendered my fear and reluctance more justifiable.

Nevertheless, as goes the quote of Abraham Lincoln: “That some achieve great success is proof to all that others can achieve it as well;” I was convinced and reassured that where is a genuine will, there should always be a way. It is hence with this endeavour that I represented my college throughout the competition. Whilst for the quarter and semi finals, the title of my speech was: “Marriage- A Curse or Boon,” that of the finals was entitled: “Mapping the Global Future- the Pros and Cons.” Once I had wholeheartedly embarked on the so insightful and enjoyable journey to the world of public speaking; with the proper guidance of my college teachers as well as the precious and enriching advice and coaching from the two coaches ESU Mauritius had requested from Dartmouth House, success was inevitable. Participating and winning the ESU-PSC on the national level is a lifelong memory. This experience has not only opened doors for me; both on the personal and professional grounds, but also enabled me to fly abroad to participate in an international event for the very first time in my life. Out there into the land of her Majesty the Queen, I got the chance to visit London, a golden opportunity to enter the Houses of Parliament, watch a live theatre show (Woman in Black), participate in an interactive seminar focused on public speaking and its techniques, and most of all, the possibility of interacting, sharing ideas, knowledge, experience and even my very own culture with participants from over sixty countries around the world. Though I could not make it to be among the eight finalists with my speech entitled: “Sugar coated Dodos” in the UK finals, the very fact of having been part of such a community has been an enlightening experience.

That year, the internationally selected theme of the PSC was “Mapping the Global Future.” If I were to tell a story again around the theme; in a nutshell, it could only be about how ESU not only maps the future of people around the world but also immerses them into a sugar-coated experience for a lifetime!

Wednesday 02 March 2011

By Alvin Mahadeo BABBEA
Finalist of the ESU Public Speaking competition 2010
From the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Secondary School, Moka

From a timid, quiet, downtrodden boy with wobbling legs to an extrovert with lion like courage and incontrovertible will power – now that is what is called DRASTIC change.

The above statement is indeed quite extreme but it is nevertheless enough to give an image of what the English Speaking Union can do, and has done, to the personal development of many people, me included.

What is the aim of the ESU anyway? “Creating global understanding through English” is the organisation’s motto. Let’s deepen our understanding of the motto: the aim is global understanding, through the medium of the English language. As such we see that the ESU’s aim is not only to promote English – which is after all the most spoken language around the world, our lingua franca – but also to spin the thread of communication in our global village. The ESU alone has more than 50 branches worldwide and the essence of its mission is as follows: “to spread the message of international understanding and friendship”.

But what the ESU has done in Mauritius, as per my experience, is reaching the leaders of tomorrow, our youth. Ever since the establishment of ESU Mauritius in 1993, the latter has been active in schools, organizing public speaking competitions, spelling competitions, debates, talks and teacher training. So here, in Mauritius, the ESU is ‘creating global understanding’ to whom? Our fledgling teenagers who are on the threshold of adult life! The ESU is giving a helping hand to pull out the emerging youth from his wilted shelter of innocence, his cocoon of ignorance. These competitions are probably the best doorways to real life, a life where there are different people with different views and understandings, a life where success and defeat should be accepted with the same enthusiasm, a life which demands that we construct our personality. And such a youth was me.

I, for one, participated in the ESU public speaking competition 2010 and reached the finals, learning more and more as I progressed from the heats to the semi finals and onwards. When I was first practicing my speech, my eyes would ceaselessly dart from left to right, seeking for some kind of positive sign from my peers and teachers. But by the time I reached the finals, this consideration reared to the background (though it was important, I was in a competition after all!). My principle became that my most important consideration should be that I am imparting something to them and it is primordial that my point is made. And the subsequent creativity in speech and humouristic references acted as supportive bases to this principle. Practicing and practicing, learning from errors, listening to the constructive criticism of my friends, of my teachers and striving despite so many stumbling blocks helped me to at least understand, if not inculcate, the qualities of humility, modesty, respect and punctuality. Without humility and modesty, you’ll quickly be the next big head of the planet. Without punctuality you might even brush near a winning interview for your dream job. And without respect for your teachers, our guides, it’s a goodbye to your exquisite learning experience. The confidence that you achieve in this journey is, after all, worth your hard work.

Hence, the ESU is here to bring change. And the recipient of that change – a change for the better- does not have to be solely me; it could be you.

Each year is a new challenge for all of us and I am sure that the President and Members of the English Speaking Union must have spared no effort to enhance the propagation and use of English Language. A word of praise must go to Ms Sharmilla Bhima, who because of professional commitments, had to resign as President of the Union on 4 th of this month. She has been working selflessly for the Union since quite a long time, and hope she will continue to extend her help as and when possible.

My best wishes go to the newly elected President, Mr Mohamad Vayid, whom I know since a very long time, and am sure he will take the English Speaking Union to still greater heights.

It gives pleasure to learn that the Union has been instrumental in furthering the importance and widespread use of the English Language. Regarding the achievements of the Union, the National Public Speaking Competitionhas again been a success, with a considerable number of participants. This year has seen the success of Mr Shaun Payen from “Collège du Saint Esprit”. Mr Payen proudly represented Mauritius at the International Public Speaking Competition held in U.K. The theme of his intervention was“words are not enough”.

As you are aware, English being an international language is widely used across the globe. Through the internet, and the use of English Language as a medium, much trading is being done, and this will continue to be so in the future.The ultimate aim is to create global understanding through English.

Today distance or geographic position is no longer aproblem. Communities are connected together through technologies and the use of English Language.Understanding and speaking the English Language has become a “sine qua non” condition for progress and success in today’s world economy.

Apart from promoting the English Language, the Union also believes in the potential of our youth. It is for this reason that every effort is being made to empower the youth,through the various competitions that are being organized.

For many years, we focused our attention on the formal mainstream of education. Gradually we moved towards extracurricular programmes with a view to moulding the child’s character and potential. Today we all agree that imparting education and training alone is not sufficient.Good communication skill is a must to achieve success.Public speaking is an art which is not given to all. However,we should create opportunities for our youngsters, so that in future they do not face difficult situations. Given the opportunities, I am sure our youngsters will do well.

I am pleased to note that there has been an increase in participation in the main educational activities,namely the Public Speaking Competition, the National Spelling Bee Competition and the Commonwealth Essay Competition.For this, I must congratulate the past and present Presidents and Members of the English Speaking Union.

I heartily congratulate Mr Shaun Payen for his sucess and wish him plenty of sucess in future.”

ESU was founded in 1918 to create global understandingthrough the use of the English language. Its patron is H.M.Queen Elizabeth II and its President H.R.H. Prince Philip,Duke of Edinburgh. One of its earliest Presidents was Winston Churchill. ESU exists in over 60 countries and its headquarters are in London.

ESU-Mauritius turns 18 this year. This is the age of reason,of responsibility, of discernment, even if it is not yet the age of wisdom. It is also the age when one looks back critically on one’s track record and achievements.

ESU Mauritius has covered a lot of ground over the past several years. We have been actively assisting Government’s strategy of liberating and emancipating people through education – not just from poverty, but also from ignorance and insularity – by promoting the use of English to plug into the outside world and to create global understanding.

English remains the indispensable medium of communicationin every sphere of human activity: in business, diplomacy,international relations, science and technology, the media.

English is the quintessential tool of human contact:Universities all over the world are increasingly offering medical and scientific courses in the English language to attract foreign students.

The leading newspapers in China, India, Pakistan, Japan,Malaysia, Singapore are written in English. The Indian Film industry now offers English sub-titles to market its feature films to a larger audience overseas.

But it would be wrong – and imprudent – to think that English will continue to progress without obstacles or contrary pressures. Mandarin and Hindi, not to mentionSpanish, German and Russian have their supporters too.

It is forecast that in a few decades English will be replaced by Spanish as the most widely spoken language in the United States. One cannot overlook the fact that China and India represent over one third of the world’s population and therefore can expect their national language to gain greater currency and prominence – alegitimate enough ambition, given the shift in the centre of economic and financial gravity to the East.

In these circumstances, the future progress of English as amost favoured language cannot be taken for granted.

In Mauritius, the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporationbroadcasts in 15 languages, including seven Indian regional idioms.There is now a new initiative to introduce Creole and Bhojpuri in schools. Whatever the merits or demerits of this plan, it is easy to surmise that the space for English will befurther squeezed, as the curriculum (and attention span) of school children is spread over additional subjects.

Coupled with this policy of political correctness, there is a palpable decline in the use and quality of English practised in the country. While our colonial administrators introduced English in Government, the Civil Service and the Judiciary,we witness today a growing tendency to speak creole inmost official spheres, while the standard of written English has gone down dramatically in most official correspondence and even in Court decisions. So much sothat it can be said that the English language in Mauritius is honoured more in the breach than in the observance of its rules.

In this context, the ESU can claim to have struck a blow infavour of English as a highly desirable medium,educationally, socially and professionally. Our English in Action Programme which emphasises conversational English is a success in deprived regions and will need to be expanded; our National Spelling Bee Competition attracts a larger number of school participants every year. Our support to Teachers by way of scholarships to the UK andthe USA is a pedagogical contribution for which the scholars are very grateful.

We have even placed Mauritius on the English Language map by producing a local Champion, Mr Sebastien NgKuet Leong, who went on to win the International PublicSpeaking Competition in London in 2009, while last yearour candidate, Mr Advik Goorah, won a standing ovation and was among the six best contestants. When oneremembers that over 40 countries participate in this annual competition, this is an achievement for which ESU Mauritius can be rightly proud.

But to carry on our activities, we need additional resources. Through a quirk of the system, the ESU is the Cinderella of Speaking Unions, receiving much less Government subsidies than similar institutions, although it was the first of its kind in the country. We are able tomaintain an adequate level of activity only through thegenerosity of our sponsors like Ken Lee Investment, HSBC,MCB, Harel Mallac Foundation, Reinsurance Solutions,Currimjee Foundation, Mr Alex Fon Sing of Jade Groupof Companies, SICOM, Onsiong Associates, Kross BorderTrust Services Ltd and others.

We are most grateful to them all. Without their backing, the ESU would not have been able to maintain a satisfactory level of activity.

Finally, at 18, ESU is updating its structure and organisation to cope with new challenges and new opportunities. To that effect, we are revisiting our charter with a view to providing for greater access to membership and greater flexibility in our approach to the promotion of English, so that we can respond more accurately and effectively to the needs of the newgeneration. In this endeavour, we may require amendments to the Act setting up the ESU and we shall approach the Ministry of Arts & Culture, our parent Ministry, for appropriate action. We also hope to have the blessings of the President of the Republic, who has been a keen supporter and friend, in the restructuring ofthe ESU. I look forward to the support and collaborationof all our members in achieving the objectives we have set ourselves.

Anitah AUJAYEB  - Gaetan Raynal SSS

I would like to share here a memorable experience I had in the last weeks in the heart of London, in the realm of English Literature, in the world of music, architecture and theatre, thanks to the English Speaking Union ( ESU), Mauritius branch and England.

It’s an incredible reality that many people inMauritius are somewhat unaware of the activities of the ESU, and my purpose today is to show the appropriateness of the motto of this institution which says “ Creating Global Understanding Through English”. The numerous activities organized by this institution, for students and teachers, bear testimony to its dedication towards the enrichment and enhancement of English in our country. At a critical time in the history of English language in our country where teachers struggle to teach the language to an indifferent crowd of students, such institutions which cater for its welfare are more than welcome. To achieve their aims they need people, genuine language lovers, more altruists, and more enthusiastic supporters.

As one of the numerous teachers of English in the secondary schools, I applied for the scholarship to attend the Shakespeare’s summer course at the Globe theatre in London and also at Shakespeare’s birth place, that is, Stratford upon Avon, through the ESU, Mauritius. And suddenly, I found myself at the Globe theatre, London, among frescos and designs all pertaining to the great Bard of English Literature. Walking along the River Thames, on the Millennium bridge, admiring the cruiser boats down, fi lled with merry making tourists, gazing at the aeroplanes up, hovering

in the grey sky of wet London, I could not help saying thanks to all those who in their own way were instrumental towards organizing this summer course with 30 delegates from 30 different countries. For we were all speaking English, though with different accents and abilities.

Global understanding was tangible. “ There is no darkness”, said Shakespeare, “ there is only ignorance” . With fantastic teachers and overenthusiastic friends from around the world, all members of the ESU of their respective countries, we moved on the pavements of theatres, of galleries, of libraries, of institutes, of cathedrals, of parks, of gardens, of squares, of towers, of bridges, wherever some relic of Shakespeare could be seen. And we moved from darkness towards light. We had shed ignorance far behind. Global understanding was created.

At the start of one lecture, a brilliant teacher like no other stated : “ I am not interested in how you move, I am interested in what moves you.” I wanted to say we moved with the ESU, but what moved us now was Shakespeare. Entering my mindset, the teacher said: “ A touch of Shakespeare makes the world Kin.” And in great kinship, cross cultural identities merged into great friendship and the world became smaller.

At the grand dinner held in honour of the 30 delegates from the 30 different countries, at the Dartmouth House, headquarters of the ESU, in Central London, we were just mesmerized as scenes of Romeo and Juliet were performed from the dinner tables in 30 different languages, our mother tongues. What a feast! What better global understanding could there be? All in all, with Shakespeare as a “ Word smith”, we learned “ to fi ll the chalice of life” , to make “ inner grace audible” , to play “ the instrument of the soul”, to speak “ the language of the heart” , to breathe “ through theatre  and music” . Walking along the London bridge, the Millennium bridge and the Bankside alleys, I could only thank the ESU for their farsightedness and altruistic attitudes and activities to make the world a global village with recreational and educational aspects. Global understanding is surely achieved.

I am more than happy that I applied for this scholarship, and I made it happen all the way and hence have been instrumental in creating this global understanding through English. I pen these words here to thank the president and members of the ESU for having given me this opportunity to be part of this literary fair. I end here quoting Mother Teresa : “ There are no great acts, only small acts done with great love.

Monday 09 May

There occur myriad undertakings in one’s life which one forgets the following week. Other episodes linger in one’s mind for a couple of months or so. Then, there remain those experiences which – hard as one tries – cannot be forgotten. To me, one such event is the ESU-Public-Speaking-Contest.

Actually, I cannot wipe out the competition from my memory for two reasons: first, I participated twice and, second, I never qualified for the finals! By now, you must be wondering who is writing this article. In fact, I first represented Bell Village SSS in 2008. The college was then a novice in such national competitions since it had newly been built. As such, I can still recall how reluctant I was to agree to the proposition of Miss Gheerdya Samputh – then Head of the English Department – to embark on such a lofty venture. I happened to be the youngest participant that year.

I was convinced that my second attempt in 2010 would be the successful one. Thus, I did not hesitate to embrace the opportunity Mr. Kevin Pather had offered to me. Although my time-table was already laden by my academic pursuit, I would not miss a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to represent the Royal College of Port Louis. My instinct proved wrong! Masculine intuition often fails, indeed. Nonetheless, at least I qualified for the semi-finals and my school mate – Zoubeir Joosub – proudly represented our esteemed school at the Finals.

The last two paragraphs may seem self-centred to many. Yet, they hold a universal truth: regardless the outcome of one’s endeavours, one demonstrates one’s maturity by humbly accepting the result. In fact, I admit that I was initially ashamed of my two successive shortcomings: never qualifying for the finals. In retrospect, I have no regrets though. Now, these words may sound like lame justifications; they are not. True, the genuine efforts I made were the best I could put in. No one can criticise such whole-hearted work.

In fact, I mustered enough courage to change one major thing: my negative attitude to my personal failings. In my mind, the ESU-Public-Speaking-Contest gradually emerged as a stepping stone! I focussed on the skills and qualities I had acquired on both attempts – self-confidence, maturity of thought, inter- and intra-personal aptitudes and many more. These attributes undeniably helped the Royal College Port Louis win the National Brainstrust Competition of the Rotary Club twice consecutively, in 2009 and 2010. Furthermore, they were tremendously useful to me as leader of our school winning-team at the Monetary Policy Challenge organised by the Bank of Mauritius.

Claiming that ESU-Public-Speaking-Contest solely assists in winning first prizes at other competitions would amount to an unforgivable injustice to the virtuous mission of the Contest. In truth, the past experience of the ESU-Public-Speaking-Contest comes in handy in other spheres of life too. As such, I have had the golden chance of shouldering the distinguished responsibility of Master of Ceremony in February, for the National Gala Show of the Spring Festival, and in March, on the National Day Celebrations at the Champ-de-Mars. Admittedly, I used a microphone on both occasions! Nevertheless, without first-hand experience at the ESU-Public-Speaking-Contest, I would never have been at ease on stage.

I sincerely hope that the unpretentious experience I have shared will make participants, supporters and readers contemplate the countless possibilities which stem from the ESU-Public-Speaking-Contest. Actually, my philosophy does not apply to the above-mentioned contest only. The English-Speaking Union (Mauritius) deserves heartfelt accolade and earnest support for being a catalyst of holistic development for the Mauritian youth. ‘Democratisation’ is a word very much in vogue these days. Together, let us hope that the life-changing opportunity given to a few lucky students will be extended to a greater number of Mauritian youngsters in the years to come.

Danny ONSIONG
Participant 2008, Semi-finalist 2010
Public Speaking Competition run by ESU-Mauritius