Young People and The Internet in Mauritius

Creating the Awareness of Safe Use of Exploring the Worldwide Web

Mauritius is emerging into the Information and Communications Technology field and is positioning itself as such in the southeastern region of Africa. In alignment with this, the government of Mauritius has provided incentives to its citizens to purchase computers for their homes. Public places, such as schools and libraries, are being equipped with computers that give easy access to the public. 

As a result, more people now have access to a computer, with the majority of them being young people. While they do have access to computers in their schools, the youth can also get access in cyber cafes.  

With this being the case,  Internet Child Safety Foundation, a subsidiary of Halley Movement, has launched a one year awareness campaign on safe use of Internet by young people in Mauritius. The first of a series of seminars was held on the 25^th March 2006 at Batimarais, a rural region of the country. During the launch event, several dignitaries addressed the guests, including the State Minister of Information and Telecommunications, the Chairman of the District Councils, the Director of the National Computer Board and the Community Development Officer of the South of Mauritius

Mr. Mahendranath Busgopaul, Director of Internet Child Safety Foundation, pointed out in his welcome address that the objective of this campaign is to bring the message of safe surfing of the Internet to the rural community in Mauritius. The importance of creating an awareness for the need of the youth to have safe use of Internet was emphasized throughout the workshop.

Four similar seminars will be organized in different regions and will culminate with a National Symposium by the end of the year. A study on the use of Internet has also been undertaken and the conclusions of this research will be announced at the National Symposium.  This campaign is being supported by educational materials produced by Internet Child Safety Foundation.

Contributed by Mahendranah Busgopaul, Director of Internet Child Safety Foundation and Secretary General of Halley Movement 

Email: mahen@icsfonline.org