The COVID-19 threat, containment measures and limited access to food supplies haven’t slowed down the upsurge of solidarity among Mauritian people. We have never been so far apart, yet so closely connected. Here’s a throwback to some heart-warming initiatives carried out in Moka and elsewhere.

As one people, as one Nation

It doesn’t take more than a few scrolls on Facebook to realise the sense of community spurred by the current health crisis. Messages of hope and encouragement, fundraisers, sharing of tips and recipes, DIY ideas, funny pictures, yoga, permaculture and sewing classes are all available free of charge.

Neighbours are swapping papayas from their garden for a bag of flour. Some are pooling their money together to order a food basket. Others are enquiring about the elderly or vulnerable people living in the surroundings to bring them some food. The sound of a ravann can be heard coming from the roof of a house to keep the neighbours entertained. Online aperitifs are organised with friends. Family members use WhatsApp to stay in touch all day. We send videos of the kids to Grandma and also tell each other we love one another more often. Yes, there is definitely something beautiful about this confinement which is above all an act of love for our fellow countrymen who are most at risk, as pointed out by Dr Catherine Gaud.

 

What about Moka?

The people of Moka have demonstrated exemplary solidarity. In Mount Ory, Vishesh Doorgah has created a Facebook group with four friends to collect and distribute money and food to needy families. “We spent time in the field to identify poor families, informal workers and housebound elderly people. We have distributed hot meals, food and vegetables since the launch of our initiative, thanks notably to the support of Constable Jérôme Retourner. I also brought some 35 gas cylinders to households in Montagne Longue using a 4-wheel drive,” says Vishesh.

In Bois Chéri, Gary and Collin have created a group to communicate the needs and feedback about the pandemic. They also set up a team of field volunteers for food distribution. Moreover, they appealed to young people with cars to deliver groceries to the elderly. Similar initiatives have been implemented in L’Avenir, Sainte Catherine and Camp Samy.

Finally, ENL Foundation has distributed food packs from Intermart supermarkets to a hundred families through FedEx. The Moka’mwad citizen collective has launched a fundraising campaign targeting people living and working in Moka to support this project. This online campaign named “Ansam anou ed nou bann vwazin” (Together, let’s lend a hand to our neighbours) is carried out via the local crowdfunding platform, Small Step Matters. Moka’mwad has pledged to match the amount collected up to Rs 150,000. So every rupee you give is worth two!

 

Thumbs up to the police too

Most of the above initiatives have only been made possible through the courageous support provided by the police for the distribution of food supplies. Thanks to everyone! Enn gran mersi zot tou!

If you want to contribute to “Ansam anou ed nou bann vwazin,” click here.