
The Hugs for a Smile project, a collaboration between Senator For a Smile and Media Five, recently launched 3D Printed Sensorial dominos at the Autisme Maurice School in Quatre-Bornes. This initiative, unveiled at the close of Autism Awareness Month, aims to provide innovative educational tools for autistic children. The dominos are designed to be playful, inclusive, and stimulating, featuring textures and visual cues tailored to the specific sensory needs of these children. Unlike standard dominos, these are 3D printed from biodegradable filaments, making them flexible and safe, even with rough handling. Each piece is embossed and brightly colored to stimulate fine motor skills and sensory abilities. Adarsh Durga, president of Senator For a Smile, explained that the project arose from educators' need for adapted tools, leveraging 3D printing for customizable and evolving supports. Nisha Bhakhareea, director of Media Five Ltd, emphasized the importance of creating stimulating and inclusive school environments, advocating for "Feel Good" classrooms. Lisa Juganaikloo, director of Autisme Maurice School, welcomed the contribution, highlighting its role in strengthening learning and developing adapted educational approaches for the over 50 children at the center. The dominos will aid in motor skills, color recognition, and manipulation. The school also offers sensory classes and parent meetings, and last year launched the Atelier Kestrel for employability skills. Autisme Maurice
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Must ReadHungarian Members of Parliament are set to approve anti-corruption measures on Tuesday, part of Prime Minister Peter Magyar's reform offensive, aimed at unfreezing billions of euros in European Union funds. The EU announced in late May that it would release over 16 billion euros for Hungary, previously frozen due to rule of law concerns under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, provided necessary reforms addressing corruption and rule of law issues are adopted. Peter Magyar, a pro-European conservative, promised "regime change" after replacing Viktor Orban in April, who had been in power for 16 years. The anti-corruption law is expected to pass easily, as Magyar's Tisza party holds over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, allowing it to modify key laws and amend the Constitution without opposition support. The bill expands the legal powers of the Integrity Authority, an anti-corruption body established in late 2022 under a previous EU-mandated reform package. Under the new provisions, this body will monitor asset declarations, request anti-corruption investigations from the judiciary, and suspend public procurement procedures to protect European funds. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter transparency requirements for the ownership structure of private equity funds. It also mandates the dissolution of public interest asset management foundations KEKVA, with the state reclaiming assets transferred to these entities under the Orban government, estimated
Must ReadMauritius's education system is experiencing a significant psychological crisis, marked by a student's tragic death at Polytechnics Mauritius and a police investigation into assault and bullying at a Curepipe college. M茅lanie Vigier de Latour-B茅renger, a psychosociologist and director at Konekte, advocates for a comprehensive transformation of support structures. The bullying incident involved a 14-year-old student filing a complaint against another student at a denominational institution in Curepipe, with the incident reportedly filmed. The Family Protection Brigade and police are investigating, and the accused student has been suspended. The Diocesan Service of Catholic Education stated that all necessary measures have been taken, and confidentiality is being maintained to protect the minors involved. Following this, a 19-year-old student was found dead at Polytechnics Mauritius, and a 21-year-old man subsequently died by suicide in Goodlands, reportedly due to grief. Polytechnics Mauritius expressed condolences and confirmed psychological support is available, urging against speculation. Vigier de Latour-B茅renger emphasizes that school violence and harassment should not be minimized, highlighting the severe psychological impact beyond physical injuries, affecting self-esteem, trust, and mental well-being. She notes that trauma and chronic stress can alter brain development and function, leading to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and an increased risk of suicidal beh
Must ReadA ceremony was held on June 17 to honor the memory of Malini Veeramalay, the only Mauritian woman to have publicly declared living with AIDS. This act of courage led to her being ostracized by her family and community, and she died heartbroken on June 17, 2005. Her funeral was attended by social workers, with her parents and relatives present but distant from her grave. The event, held at the Petite-Rivi猫re cemetery, brought together friends, social workers, and people living with HIV PLHIV. Achagar Soondarajen Maistry, who led a prayer, highlighted the ongoing stigma and rejection faced by PLHIV, and also addressed the growing drug problem in the country. Nicolas Ritter, co-founder of PILS Prevention, Information and Fight Against AIDS and the first Mauritian man to publicly disclose his HIV status, expressed his sadness and anger, noting that 21 years after Malini's death, discrimination and ignorance persist, even intensifying in some areas, including healthcare settings. Ritter emphasized the need for citizens to act, educate, and inform, asserting that an AIDS patient is not a mortal threat and deserves fair treatment and a place in society, just as Malini sought her right to live freely with her medical condition. Malini's public disclosure, made on national platforms, was intended as an act of bravery and solidarity to encourage others not to be ashamed of their illness. However, it resulted in her being cast out by her family. She found refuge at La Chrysalide center,