After a long wait and after going through the pandemic and the economic crisis, the wait is finally over. The SugarCane Boy is officially launched through 5 clubs across Mauritius, especially in the center, west and south coast of the island. The ceremony took place during a Zoom meeting broadcasted live on Facebook on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in compliance with the health measures in place on the island.
Over 90 guests, including senior ambassadors, team leaders and members of The SugarCane Boy Bookclub, attended the ceremony. The guests of honor, namely Professor Martin Broad, Dean of the Faculty of the University of Winchester, Jacques D’Unienville, CEO of Omnicane Ltd, Niamh Allen, National Director of the British Council in Mauritius, attended the launch and spoke about the benefits of the project for the children of Mauritius, in terms of literacy, sustainability and growth, among others. They shared their own experiences and mentioned how proud they were to be part of this initiative.
Following the event, Samuel Reddy, the Patron of The SugarCane Boy BookClub stated that :
“I have lived half my life serving one of the greatest military in the world, The SugarCane Boy Bookclub is my way to serve my birth country. The Sugarcane Boy Bookclub is a project that will better society, improve communities and create a sustainable future. Our aim is to have a book club in each town and in every village in Mauritius.
It is important for leaders to make lasting impact & have the wisdom to decide what is right to live a balanced life and build a better world. As the patron of this project, I am looking to actively connect with committed people & organisations with the same vision to join us.”
Samuel T. Reddy
Alyssia Reddy, the author of the book which initiated the movement, on her behalf says that she feels so privileged to have a positive impact and influence these amazing kids’ lives, that too just through her words:
“I am honoured to be a part of something that advocates education. I wish for these children to also gain opportunities simply because they were given the chance to be a part of a book club at a young age. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”
