JCI Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill, a local chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI), has launched the “Anou Plante” project, a unique initiative in Mauritius focused on teaching children aged 7 to 12 about sustainable gardening.

As a non-profit organization, JCI is made up of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, committed to driving positive change in communities worldwide. The Anou Plante project is part of this mission, aiming to provide children with a hands-on experience in gardening and sustainability. With sponsorships, partnerships, and donations funding the initiative, the project combines education, community involvement, and environmental awareness.

Project Objectives

• Training the Trainers – Educators, youth leaders, and volunteers receive training sessions to gain the skills needed to guide children in garden-based learning.
• Weekly Gardening Workshops for Kids – Interactive, weekly sessions cover topics such as planting, composting, watering, harvesting, and understanding seasonal cycles.
• Community Garden Creation – A community garden will be developed with the involvement of children, trainers, and residents, serving as a practical example of urban gardening in Mauritius.

Completed: Phase 1

Phase 1 successfully combined training for volunteers with six weeks of gardening workshops for children.

Train-the-Trainer Session: Volunteers from JCI Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill received expert training from community gardening specialist Mr. Qaysar Islam at Gourmet Avenue Restaurant. The session covered practical techniques such as composting and planting for young learners.

Weekly Classes (June-July):

Weeks 1-2: Basic Gardening – The first class was launched on June 16th at the Center of Learning, where children learned about basic gardening and agriculture. A key activity involved children planting their own seeds in seedling trays.

Weeks 3-4: Composting Basics – Children were introduced to the basics of composting through hands-on activities. They learned about the difference between green and brown materials, what can and cannot be composted, and the role of beneficial creatures in the process. The compost created by the children will be used for the community garden.

Weeks 5-6: Group Work & Presentations – Practical Group Work and Presentation: Children worked in groups to complete tasks like preparing seedling soil and sowing crops. This phase also included a valuable leadership exercise where each team captain presented their group’s work.

Looking Ahead: Phase 2

The upcoming Phase 2 will see the launch of a main nursery and community garden at the Center of Learning.

A nursery will be set up for seedling production, and a 12-square-meter area of raised garden beds will be constructed. These spaces will provide ongoing, hands-on experience in sustainable gardening.

The total budget for the project is Rs 30,000, with expenses allocated for materials, soil mix, printing, transport, and a contingency fund.

Meet the Team

The Anou Plante project is led by Project Director Jessica Hannelas, supported by a passionate team managing sponsorship, logistics, and education. The initiative is also championed by David Bastien, Local President of JCI Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill, who encourages community members, sponsors, and volunteers to get involved.

Why It Matters

Through this project, children in Mauritius are not only learning how to grow plants but also:

• Building respect for the environment
• Developing leadership and teamwork skills
• Understanding the importance of sustainable living

Do you want to support or join the Anou Plante project?

Contact David Bastien, Local President of JCI Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill, or Jessy Hannelas, Director of Community Development, to learn more about how you can contribute to this inspiring community gardening project in Mauritius.