Mauritius: Rebuilding Stronger After the Storm
When Cyclones Belal and Candice hit Mauritius in January 2024, the devastation was overwhelming. Torrential rains and winds left neighbourhoods flooded, homes destroyed, and families displaced. Amidst the chaos, Scouts like Pascal stepped forward with a plan and took swift action to bring relief to their communities and to help rebuild for a stronger, more resilient future.
Pascal, a dedicated Scout leader, understood the urgency of the situation and the critical role that Scouts could play in responding to the needs of those affected by the cyclones. With a clear vision and a heart for service, he was determined to assist as many families as possible, particularly the most affected. He quickly mobilised with the support of his local Scout group and other volunteers to provide immediate aid.
“I wanted to equip them with the knowledge and skills to better prepare for future natural disasters.” Pascal Speville, Scout leader.
Rallying the Community
Pascal and his team started donation drives to collect school kits, uniforms, food supplies, and warm clothing for families who had been hardest hit. Local organisations and volunteers around the community, including other Scout groups, shared his passion for helping the community, and committed their time, resources, and expertise to alleviate some of the suffering these families experienced.
Through crowdfunding on the Scout Donation Platform, and the collective action he inspired, Pascal’s goal to support 15 of the most vulnerable families was achieved, providing not just material aid, but hope.
In an atmosphere filled with anticipation and determination, Pascal and his group of volunteers gathered at a local centre to distribute the packages to families. The packages were carefully filled with school kits, school uniforms, and food items and essential supplies. As families arrived, the volunteers made them feel at home and offered a safe space for them to share their experiences of loss and resilience. Together, the group handed out the care packages.
“The gratitude on their faces was immeasurable”, Pascal shares, “children beamed with joy as they received their new school materials, excited about the opportunity to return to some normalcy in their education.”
Building Community Resilience and Preparedness
Pascal recognises that aid was only part of their effective support, and what communities needed were tools to better protect themselves in the future. Afterall, Mauritius witnesses several heavy storms each year and is prone to a cyclone around every five years.
“I conducted a workshop for families called ‘How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster’, teaching them key skills like emergency response strategies, effective communication during crises, and the importance of community solidarity in times of need”, explains Pascal.
Engaging discussions unfolded, and participants shared their experiences and suggestions for improving disaster readiness. That day, in addition to their care packages, the families gained a sense of empowerment and a stronger connection to their community.
“As we continue to rebuild and strengthen our communities, I am reminded of the power of collective action and compassion. With the combined efforts of dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and strategic partnerships, the initiative had a ripple effect, and we made a significant impact on the lives of these families.” Pascal Speville, Scout.
Addressing Critical Needs with Clean Water and Safety Training
When Cyclones Belal and Candice struck, people were cut off from power and running water. Recognising the importance of clean water for recovery and long-term health, Pascal’s initiative went well beyond immediate relief and disaster preparedness. The group invested in a water tank to ensure safe drinking water for the families in the long-term.
To take their community safety efforts even further, Pascal’s Scout group reached out to a private local swimming school to partner with Scouts in their disaster preparedness. The school offered special training for 20 Scouts and leaders in water safety, covering basic swimming techniques, drowning prevention, rescue and first aid to respond effectively to flooding and rising water levels. The Scouts are now trained to assist their neighbours in times of crisis, creating a ripple effect of preparedness within the broader community.
Finally, to increase awareness, Scouts have taken an active role in their “National Water Safety Day”, in collaboration with the swim school to spread essential information about flood response and water safety throughout the country.
Make a Difference Today
Pascal’s story is a powerful example of how Scouts are making a difference leading life-changing initiatives, every day, across the globe, offering hope and rebuilding communities in times of crisis.
Your continued support to World Scouting will help even more Scouts to take vital action when disaster strikes and to prepare their communities to be more resilient in the face of recurring disasters, empowered with the leadership and life skills, tools and knowledge, to make a difference where it matters most.
Help us to empower even more Pascals by making your annual gift to World Scouting: Donate today.
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