Erasmus+ Program: Impact Based Alumni Testimonials at EU Alumni Night

 

University of Mauritius Staff with  EU Ambassador 

At the Erasmus alumni night held on 19 December 2025, the EU Ambassador to Mauritius H.E. Mr. Oskar Benedikt explained the strategic vision of the Erasmus+ initiative from which many academics and students of the tertiary education institutions has benefited over the past 3 years. 

Mr K.Boodhoo of the Faculty of Agriculture attended the event 

 The Erasmus+ program is an investment in human potential with long-term returns. This philosophy resonates directly with the strategic goals articulated by the EU delegation, which challenged alumni to apply their global perspectives and enhanced capabilities toward Mauritius's own long-term development goals, such as its Vision 2050. The program equips its alumni with the global perspective, personal resilience, and international network needed to become effective leaders and contributors in an interconnected world.

The core objectives of the Erasmus+ initiative can be summarised by three interconnected pillars:

• Community Creation: The program is designed to bring together individuals who have gone to Europe to study, engage in a project, foster university cooperation, or work as a trainee. This creates a dedicated community where they can exchange experiences and maintain connections, fostering a sense of shared identity among alumni that extends beyond their time abroad.
• Horizon Expansion: A central aim is to "open the horizon" for participants, encouraging them to "discover something new" in a different environment. This process is intended to broaden their "view on the world," challenging preconceived notions and fostering intellectual curiosity.
• Transcending Borders: The program actively promotes the idea that "human connection that transcends the borders" is possible and necessary. By facilitating these exchanges, it aims to demonstrate that national borders are "artificial things" and that shared humanity is a more powerful and unifying force.

The Erasmus+ program is framed as a direct extension of the broader values of the European Union.The ambassador referenced the EU's principle of "unity in diversity" and its historic role in advancing peace, reconciliation, and democracy, for which it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. By facilitating exchange and partnership with countries like Mauritius, the program serves as a vehicle for these values, promoting a model of global cooperation and solidarity. These strategic aims set the stage for the deeply personal transformations reported by the program's alumni.

 Personal and Professional Transformation

Some Alumni shared their stories, and a few powerful themes emerged. Their reflections reveal that the true impact of studying abroad isn't just about what you see, but about how you change. Here are three of their most profound takeaways.

A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

For one participant, the Erasmus+ journey was described in a single, powerful word: "healing." His testimony highlights a deep psychological and emotional impact. Coming from a small island and being the only participant from his cohort, he admitted to a profound initial fear, believing he would feel "isolated, misunderstood, and often alone."

Instead of isolation, he found connection. He described consciously choosing to leave behind "past mistakes, traumas, and experiences" to begin the journey with "a clean heart and an open mind." Through the challenges of living in Palermo, Italy, he reported learning fundamental lessons in "self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of embracing diversity." Furthermore, the act of living abroad directly strengthened his "independence and... emotional maturity."

Cultivating Skills Beyond the Classroom

Another participant’s testimony reinforces the idea that the program’s most valuable lessons are often learned outside of a formal academic setting. She asserted that Erasmus+ "teaches you skills that no other classroom can teach you with the same authenticity." The immersive, cross-cultural environment naturally fosters the development of critical transferable skills. She specifically identified the following competencies honed during her experience: Collaboration, communication across borders and socialisation.

She explained that the program "pushes you out of your comfort zone" in practical and demanding ways. She cited being tested by a "-20-degree winter," learning to cook for herself, and traveling extensively to "countries where I had never visited before." This forced independence and engagement with new environments are key drivers for developing the adaptability and social acumen essential in a globalized world. The personal growth achieved through these practical challenges is intrinsically linked to the development of meaningful interpersonal connections.

Building Global Networks and Cultural Fluency

Beyond individual growth, the Erasmus+ program serves as a catalyst for building international connections and fostering deep cross-cultural understanding. Participant testimonials consistently emphasize the creation of lasting global networks that transcend national and cultural boundaries. This section examines how the program facilitates community-building and enhances participants' ability to navigate a diverse world.

From Strangers to Family

A recurring theme in the alumni stories is the transformation of acquaintances from around the world into a close-knit, supportive community. The shared experience of being an international student in a new country appears to accelerate the formation of deep, familial bonds.

• One participant articulated this sentiment perfectly, stating his discovery that "home is not always a place, but the people who surround you." He now considers himself to have "pieces of home scattered around Europe," signifying a permanent, personal network that spans the continent.
• Similarly, the other participant described creating a "small precious family" with friends from numerous countries. She expressed her gratitude for this outcome, stating, "I am beyond grateful to say that I have friends all across Europe now." This network, built through shared classrooms and kitchens, represents a tangible and enduring benefit of the program.

Transforming Differences into Bridges

The immersive nature of the program fundamentally alters participants' perspectives on cultural diversity. The experience moves beyond theoretical appreciation to a practical understanding of how to connect across cultural lines.

One alumni offered a profound insight gained from her time abroad: "our cultural differences are not really differences. They're bridges." This perspective shift is a core outcome of the program, fostered through daily interaction and shared experiences. Testimonials provided concrete examples of this cultural exchange in action:

• Shared Celebrations: She  described how her international friends came together to celebrate the festival of Diwali with her.
• Culinary Diplomacy: She recounted cooking chicken Briyani for her friends, a meal that "was gone under 5 minutes," serving as a simple yet powerful testament to successful cultural sharing.

Her observation on the geography and culture of Europe—those countries are "so close together, but they all share so many different cultures"—underscores the rich learning environment the program provides. Participants don't just learn about another culture; they learn to navigate a multitude of them simultaneously.

The Erasmus+ Value Proposition

This review, drawing directly from the authentic and compelling testimonials of Mauritian alumni, demonstrates that the Erasmus+ program delivers transformative outcomes that extend well beyond traditional academic metrics. The synthesis of these findings articulates a clear and powerful value proposition for participants, their home communities, and the broader goal of fostering global understanding. The program's definitive value lies in its ability to simultaneously foster personal development, build global communities, and enhance cultural competence.

The primary program outcomes, as evidenced by the participant experiences, can be distilled into three key areas:

1. Accelerated Personal Growth The program serves as a powerful catalyst for developing emotional maturity, confidence, independence, and resilience. By placing participants in unfamiliar environments and pushing them beyond their comfort zones, it forces them to develop coping mechanisms and self-reliance that shape their character for a lifetime.
2. Creation of Enduring Global Networks Participants build deep, personal connections that transcend national and cultural boundaries. These relationships form an invaluable international community of peers, friends, and future collaborators, effectively transforming strangers into a global family.
3. Enhanced Cultural Competency The immersive experience fundamentally shifts participants' perspectives on diversity. It replaces theoretical knowledge with practical, lived experience, fostering a genuine appreciation for different cultures and building the cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills essential for the 21st century.

 

Breaking the Cycle: Can Humanity Rise to the Climate Challenge?

The Climate Show, an immersive and interactive event designed to engage young people in the fight against the climate crisis, landed in the Octave Wiehe Auditorium at the University of Mauritius from March 3–5. Organized by the Indian Ocean Commission and the European Union, this groundbreaking initiative has already captivated 50,000 attendees in Belgium and France. Its mission? To turn awareness into action by empowering youth to confront the existential threats of climate change—and inspire them to lead the charge toward a sustainable world. Students at the university had the chance to engage in online quizzes and ask questions to deepen their understanding of the subject.

Introduction: The Clock is Ticking

Imagine a world where your choices—like buying a shirt online or planning a holiday—contribute to a planet on the brink of becoming "uninhabitable as we know it." This is the stark reality explored in the climate-focused event that I attended as an academic staff of the Faculty of Agriculture together with our students.  The question at its core is urgent: **Are humans doing enough to address the climate crisis?** The answer, it turns out, is both disheartening and hopeful.  

The Urgency of Now

The discussion opens with a chilling truth: if current consumption patterns continue, Earth’s climate will shift beyond recognition. Rising seas, extreme weather, and ecological collapse are not distant threats—they’re accelerating. Yet, despite widespread awareness, global emissions hit record highs in 2023. Why? Because **psychological and societal blockages**—denial, overwhelm, and the inertia of habit—keep us stuck.  

The show’s participants highlight that we know what needs to be done, but we’re paralysed by fear, convenience, and the illusion that individual actions alone can save us.

Individual vs. Collective: The Sisyphean Struggle

The debate between personal responsibility and systemic change is a recurring theme. Take for example the participant in the show grappling with a holiday dilemma: Should she skip a dream trip to reduce her carbon footprint, or indulge in fleeting joy? Her internal conflict mirrors millions of people worldwide.  

While individual actions—like reducing plastic use or eating plant-based diets—matter, they’re often framed as "drops in the ocean." The show’s experts argue that **collective action** is the only way to scale impact. But how do we shift systems when governments prioritize re-election over climate policy, and corporations chase profits by funding fossil fuels?  

The Consumption Dilemma: Why "More" is Killing Us

The root of the crisis isn’t just fossil fuels—it’s overconsumption. Every purchase, from a fast-fashion dress to a flight to Bali, triggers a chain reaction of emissions. Even replacing coal with renewables won’t suffice if we keep demanding "more, faster, and newer things."  

Take the example of "clicking to buy a product made in China." That single action fuels factories, ships, and packaging—emissions we rarely see but collectively perpetuate. The show’s experts stress: **Reducing consumption is non-negotiable.**  

Technology: A Plaster, Not a Cure

Techno-optimists in the show believe innovation—carbon capture, solar power—will save us. But the event’s dialogue rebuffs this: **Tech alone can’t outrun overconsumption or systemic greed**. Renewable energy investments are growing, but banks still fund fossil fuels at record rates. The message? **Innovation must pair with cultural shifts.**  

Inequality: Who Bears the Burden?

Climate change isn’t fair. Wealthy nations and individuals are disproportionately responsible for emissions, yet they’re often the slowest to act. The Paris Agreement’s 2050 goal—2 tons of emissions per person—contrasts starkly with today’s reality (e.g., the U.S. averages 16 tons).  

The show’s experts argue: **Equity matters.** A bigger population living sustainably (like Bolivia) is better than a smaller one overconsuming (like Qatar). Climate justice demands richer nations lead in both reducing emissions and funding global solutions.  

Democracy and Capitalism: The System is Broken

Politicians, tied to corporate interests, prioritize short-term gains over climate action. COP summits have "changed absolutely nothing," the audio states. Meanwhile, capitalism’s "growth-at-all-costs" mentality fuels overproduction and waste.  

A proposed fix? **Citizen assemblies**—randomly selected groups empowered to make climate decisions, bypassing partisan gridlock. Imagine a world where everyday people, not lobbyists, shape policy.  

Redefining Success: A New Story for Humanity

The show’s most powerful idea? **We need a new cultural narrative.** Instead of valuing GDP and material wealth, we must prioritize well-being, community, and ecological balance.  

Imagine measuring success by clean air, thriving ecosystems, and equitable access to resources. This shift isn’t just idealistic—it’s necessary. The event urges us to **see ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

The climate crisis isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a **humanity test**. It asks us to confront our habits, rethink our values, and act collectively.  

The video ends with a challenge: **"The future is not yet written."** Our choices today will determine whether we cling to the status quo or build a world where people and planet thrive.  

Final Thought : The climate crisis is a mirror reflecting our deepest flaws and highest potential. Let’s choose hope—not by waiting for a techno-fix, but by acting now, together. 

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Increasing the resilience of small farmers to the effects of climate change- Grant to Faculty of Agriculture

Prof Sunita Facknath ( on the Right), from the Faculty of Agriculture, recipient of one of the grant awards for the project

The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security and the Delegation of the European Union have awarded three new grants to the University of Mauritius, the Irrigation Authority and the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture for the implementation of climate adaptation actions. Projects aim at promoting climate smart agriculture initiatives among smallholders in Mauritius and Rodrigues. They will be implemented over 3 years.

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, Marjaana Sall said:

- "The European Union is committed in making the Paris Agreement work and in supporting our partners in implementing it. Today's grants to increasing resilience of small farmers to the effects of climate change bear testimony of EU's strong partnership with Mauritius to fight climate change."

The Minister of Agro Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun said:

- “As an island state, Mauritius is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.  This has a direct impact on the agricultural sector because our farming activities are directly exposed to climatic conditions. We urgently need to adopt climate smart agricultural practices to increase resilience of our small planters to the effects of climate change to ensure food security”

During the ceremony, three grants for a total amount of more than 50 million Rupees were awarded to the University of Mauritius, the Irrigation Authority and the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture for the implementation of their projects, namely: i) Transformation of Belle Mare into a Climate-Smart Agriculture village for climate resilience, food security, and poverty alleviation of its farmers; ii) Improving Resilience of Small Holders to the effect of climate change; and iii) Smart Agriculture: Transition towards agro ecological climate-resilient food cropping systems in Mauritius.

EDES Workshop on Food Regulatory Framework for export to EU

A report of EDES of ACP-EU was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to review the regulatory framework for exporting poultry and honey to the EU market. At the 2 day workshop the report was discuused and gaps in the regulatory framework were identified and discussed with the major stakeholders. The main features of the report is given below. 

Courtesy Le Mauricien of 29 FEB 2012

  In a few years of possible exports to countries of the region and to Europe could amount to 5,000 tons annually, generating gross revenues of approximately EUR 10 million per year. This is what emerges from the findings of a consultancy mission report of the Programme EDES ACP-EU and submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Dr. Gary Francis, and Dr. Mathilde Saulnier, were in Mauritius in October last year at the request of the Mauritian authorities for economic evaluation of the poultry and honey sector, its export potential to the EU and the possibilities to increase the level if necessary for easy access.

The private sector side, it appears that poultry production in Mauritius has almost doubled in ten years, from 25,600 tonnes in 2000 to 46,000 tons in 2010, an increase of 20,400 tons. The prospects for growth are the most optimistic as an output of 60,000 tons in 2015 and 80,000 tons by 2020 are envisaged.

Regarding the outlook for exports, the Economic Partnership Agreement signed with the EU in 2009 could be an opening of markets on the block and de facto international recognition in terms of safety standards. The consultants believe that Mayotte and Reunion represent potential markets advantageous because of their proximity compared to France. For example, they cite the virtual dependency of Mayotte Import (99%) for its chicken needs table, or 7000 tons.
 

Requirements
The report estimates that if their recommendations are implemented our exports of chicken and processed products to countries in the region and to Europe could be around 5000 tons annually, generating gross revenues of approximately EUR 10 million per year in a few years time

According to the report, large producing companies will have to invest between 2.5 and 3 million euros in the coming years to be able to export to the EU. The two main poultry companies mentioned are already preparing in case of an eventual agreement, and aware of the necessity to adapt to European market requirements, have already begun to make the investment. However, their entry into this segment after such an agreement with the EU would have significant impacts on the local poultry industry. Their biggest customers (hotels, supermarket chains and restore international brands) will prefer to buy from companies with guaranteed quality standards.  

This could, they argue, affect how poultry producers. Also, it is recommended the government to support medium-sized slaughterhouses and their independent suppliers by offering them the opportunity to modernize their equipment and to rise to European standards. Similarly, in order to protect consumer interests, the consultants believe it would be good to have healthy competition in this sector, with three or four major poultry companies private to avoid an increase in chicken prices and derivatives. In addition, the report highlights the high price of chicken in Mauritius, between 2 and 2.5 euros per kilo compared to 1.75 euro in Europe, 1 euro and Brazil. This is mainly attributed to the high cost of chicken feed. In this regard, the authors focus on building for the export of products with high added value or targeting niche markets.

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Food Act: "Outdated"
Directed to government authorities, the report recommends several urgent decisions. Particular, the revision of the regulatory framework: Food Act, Meat Act and Animal Health Act, which require a complete revision. The Food Act is described as "outdated", essentially the producer responsibility for food safety, HACCP principles is ignored; guidelines of the Ministry of Health incomplete and inadequate, the law does not allow identify health risks for the country. In short, "this legislation is dangerous and Unable to Ensure a minimum food safety, event in the context of Mauritius," write Dr. Gary and Saulnier. Similarly Mauritius has not an institutional framework consistent with international standards for control of the sector. There are too many ministries and departments responsible for quality control; ditto for veterinary control. However, there is a lack of coordination and information sharing to a risk assessment sector. The same goes for the many more laboratories as they are not networked. The report recommends the creation of a single "Competent Authority in the EU's meaning." 

Adapted from  Le Mauricien