The Academy for Integrated and Sustainable Development (AISD) is located at Quartier Militaire Road, Wooton. The Project Coordinator is Mr Pradeep Jagutpal of AISD. The mission of the Academy is to promote peace, harmony and cooperation in society by catering for the physical, mental, social and spiritual development of all individuals indistinctively.
AISD has solicited the support of Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius (CI-UoM) for the teaching of Chinese language and Culture to about 30 children aged 5 to 15 years old as part of their ‘Kite Project’ (please follow the link for more information). The kite project wants ‘to give or give back to each child the pleasure of learning; i.e., to acquire knowledge and know-how, without necessarily going through boredom, suffering, the obligation perceived as such.’ The project also aimed at encouraging effort, perseverance and discipline while learning.
CI-UoM is very pleased to be part of the project and to extend its services to the community. Two volunteer Chinese teachers, once a week, entertain the disadvantaged children who, largely, have suffered from family disruption. The teachers are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the children through the teaching of a new language and pedagogical activities such as paper cutting, singing and calligraphy. CI-UoM provide teaching aids and materials to all the children of the ‘kite’ project. We hope to contribute, as far as possible, to resolving some of the harmful effects and negative impact of early childhood adversity by bringing joy and pleasure in their lives.
The project started on 02 June 2018 and lasts for 15 consecutive weeks. The early results are quite encouraging and it is very likely that the duration of the project may be extended.
Kite Project >> ( Accessible to Students & Staff only. Login with your UoM email credentials. Remember to sign out after use)
Plate 1. Group photo with CI-UoM and AISD representatives at the Academy of Integrated and Sustainable Development, Wooton
Plate 2. The Mauritian Director of CI-UoM addressing the children at AISD in the company of the volunteer Chinese Teachers.
Plate 3. One of the volunteer Chinese teachers interacting with the children during one of the educational sessions.
Plate 4. Children learning through play at AISD with the joyful assistance of the volunteer Chinese teacher and staff at AISD