LocationsThis pilot initiative is part of a broader effort to reimagine community centres as vibrant spaces where women and youth can access opportunities, build skills, and lead change in their communities.
UNDP Supports the Transformation of the Community Centre in Rivière du Rempart into an Empowerment Hub
September 25, 2025
UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles/Stephane Bellerose
Rivière du Rempart, 24 September 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mauritius has reinforced its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development by supporting the transformation of the Community Centre of Cité Cœur Immaculée de Marie (Cité CIM) in Rivière du Rempart into a hub for women and youth empowerment and community engagement. This pilot initiative is part of a broader effort to reimagine community centres as vibrant spaces where women and youth can access opportunities, build skills, and lead change in their communities.
This pilot initiative, launched on Wednesday 24 September 2025, was attended by Honourable Raj Pentiah, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms and Dr. The Hon. Kaviraj Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, alongside other key partners and community leaders. With new furniture, recreational materials, and training equipment, the centre is now better equipped to support women’s socio-economic empowerment while providing youth with opportunities for skills development, cultural activities, and civic engagement—making it a safe, dynamic, and inclusive space.
From Fragility to Resilience: Investing in Women and Youth
The project responds to persistent challenges faced by women and youth in Mauritius. Despite progress in education and health, women remain more economically vulnerable, with female-headed households experiencing higher poverty levels and women representing most of the local domestic violence victims. Similarly, youth face disproportionate unemployment, limited educational attainment, and social vulnerabilities such as drug abuse. By positioning the centre as an empowerment hub, the initiative seeks to foster resilience, expand opportunities, and advance socio-economic inclusion.
The project design was informed by a Community Needs Assessment carried out earlier this year, which brought together the Hon. Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, representatives of the Force Vive of Cité CIM, the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund (SILWF), and the local community. This participatory process ensured that the initiative reflects the priorities of the community itself.
Building Together for Inclusive Growth
The Rivière du Rempart region, ranked 54th in Mauritius’ Relative Development Index, has faced recurring flooding and economic pressures. The revitalization of the Cité CIM Community Centre—driven by collaboration among residents, ministries, and partners—aims to:
Upgrade infrastructure and amenities to provide an enabling environment for training and activities.
Strengthen women’s empowerment opportunities with resources for vocational training, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
Foster youth engagement through cultural activities, awareness-raising, and access to safe spaces for learning.
Through this initiative, UNDP Mauritius and its partners are supporting Mauritius to advance gender equality (SDG 5), promote decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and build inclusive and resilient societies (SDG 16).