March 2024 found The West buzzing with the rhythms of ‘La Francophonie’ at two events organised at Medine's flagship education centre, Uniciti International Education Hub (UIEH). Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.
Going far beyond a simple celebration of language, the Semaine de la Francophonie (Week of French Language) has been an annual event since 1970, bringing together the many countries that have French as their common language – a language which now ranks as the fifth most spoken language on Earth, with more than 320 million speakers worldwide!
The week highlights the importance of the French language in international communication and of reinforcing ties between French-speaking populations. In fact, the aim of the Semaine de la Francophonie is simple: to promote cultural diversity, mutual learning, and cooperation.
In support of this goal, UIEH organised a debate and discussion panel at its Pierrefonds campus on the 20th of March, and an international symposium chaired by a writer who needs no introduction – Jean-Marie Le Clézio – on the 21st and 22nd of March.
"Today, with artificial intelligence, why bother thinking?”: this provocative title introduced a debate and discussion on one of today’s most topical subjects – the role played by artificial intelligence in our society – held on the 20th of March 2024.
Hosted with élan by French journalist Sandrine Audrain, the event welcomed two renowned local speakers: Joseph Cardella, teacher of philosophy at the Lycée des Mascareignes and founder of the Université Populaire de l'île Maurice (UPIM), provided an historical overview, while Anouchka Sooriamoorthy, PhD in philosophy, offered a contemporary view of the issue at hand.
Both speakers addressed crucial questions, including the impact AI has on our ability to think, the importance of preserving human thought in an increasingly automated world, and the ethical challenges AI presents. Their debate was followed by a stimulating discussion, offering the audience a chance to delve deeper into AI’s role in Mauritian society, the existence of local developers, and the potential for government bodies to use AI.
Approximately forty interested participants from a diverse range of backgrounds contributed their thoughts to the discussion, which shattered many preconceived ideas and confirmed certain concerns surrounding this issue as legitimate. The event provided a unifying moment of open exchange and paved the way for further meetings of this kind at the UIEH.
The highlight of the Semaine de la Francophonie in The West, however, was undoubtedly an international symposium on intercultural encounters. Held on the 21st and 22nd of March, the colloquium was chaired by Franco-Mauritian writer Jean-Marie Le Clézio, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Over the course of two days, renowned academics from Mauritius, France, Réunion, and beyond explored the many facets of interculturalism in front of an audience of participants that included journalists, students, and academics, as well as leading figures from a range of socio-cultural and religious associations.
The discussion covered themes ranging from 'non-lethal' identities to cultural exchanges and intercultural education and provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the mutual enrichment between cultures made possible by today’s globalised world.
Two intensive days of discussion allowed the speakers to offer a variety of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by interculturality in today’s world. Jean-Marie Le Clézio took the opportunity to present his essay "Se connaître et se reconnaître" (‘To know oneself and to recognise oneself’). A conference booklet will be produced in the near future.
In providing a framework that facilitates essential debates on such topical issues, UIEH reaffirms its commitment to educational excellence, to the promotion of dialogue between cultures, and to the creation of engaging spaces for the sharing of knowledge and ideas.
Hosting these two events for the Semaine de la Francophonie continues UIEH’s engagement with the French language. The West’s flagship educational centre offers French-language activities on a regular basis, in cooperation with celebrated francophone institutions (such as the Université Paris Panthéon-Assas, Ensa Nantes and, more recently, SUPINFO).
Another excellent illustration of UIEH’s dynamism as they strive to create an environment conducive to intercultural learning and exchange!
La Francophonie – with a capital "F"! – is an institutional body that manages relations between countries that share the French language. Founded in Niamey (Niger) in 1970, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) promotes the French language and fosters cooperation between 88 member states and governments, including Mauritius. La Francophonie adopted a Charter in 1997.
France will host the next Francophonie Summit (a biannual event) on the 4th and 5th of October 2024.
Ah, the West—its magnificent landscapes, its turquoise lagoon, its fine sandy beaches, its pleasant climate year-round, its cultural diversity, its eclectic cuisine—there are so many aspects to this region that make it an El Dorado for many Mauritians and expatriates alike. The West offers a lifestyle that combines the facilities of an urban region with […]
Whether prompted by the desire to start a new life in the sun or by a business opportunity, many entrepreneurs are choosing to relocate their company, or part of its operations, to Mauritius… more specifically, to the island’s West Coast! Here are a few of the reasons why. Relocate your business? Yes, to the West […]
The West of Mauritius is full of activities and attractions to discover, whether you’re on your own, with your family, or with friends! Whether you are discovering the region for the first time (or rediscovering it), here is a list of eight must-visit spots, with a few surprises along the way. Come and see for […]
Curious. Adventurous. Daredevil. Sportsman. A great nature lover… Your child is all these things and more! You’re as proud of them as you are a little short of ideas to occupy their days. Take heart – you are not alone! Here are some ideas that will make even the most clueless parents the new heroes […]
Looking for a building plot to set up your business in West Mauritius? Good news: Medine Smart City has just announced new commercial building plots in Cascavelle, in the heart of The West! To get the ball rolling, there are eight plots designated for office space for sale in this vibrant region, with surface areas […]
Do you want to pursue higher education in Mauritius? Head West! The Uniciti International Education Hub (UIEH) brings together several renowned institutions – a draw for students from all over the world! Discover some of the best colleges and universities in Mauritius in this hub of educational excellence, launched by the Medine Group in 2013. […]
When the sun goes down in the West (where else?), we swap our hiking boots and Dodo flip-flops for dancing shoes and get carried away by Saturday night fever – The West way. Here are the parties and events not to be missed for a wild night out on the west coast of Mauritius. Get […]
Western Mauritius is known for its thriving NGO sector. If you want to help but don’t know where to start, The West can help! Here are four NGOs making a major impact on the lives of the region’s inhabitants. Quartier de Lumière (QDL) Quartier de Lumière was established in 2006 to support twelve families of […]
On the 14th of March 2024, SPARC – The West’s premiere sports facility – played host to a major event in celebration of the upcoming Paris Olympic Games: the third edition of the Terre de Jeux 2024 relay. A day dedicated to going the extra mile! The West rocks to the rhythm of sports The […]
Future students – it’s time to seize the day! The Uniciti International Education Hub (UIEH), at the heart of The West, has added two renowned institutions to its campus: SUPINFO and the American Business School of Paris. Discover the innovative courses these schools – synonymous with excellence and international careers – have to offer. Partners […]
Jeanno Burger: Flic-en-Flac’s undisputed king of street food Jean-Noël L’Aimable is a firm fixture on the menu of the west coast’s burger lovers. Jean-Noël and his wife have conquered the hearts (and taste buds!) of The West since they first opened Jeanno Burger in a small van on Flic-en-Flac beach in 2012. An electrician […]
On the 27th of April 2024, The West came alive to the rhythm of an unforgettable sporting experience: the Medine Trail. Organised by the Medine Group with Rando-Trail et Nature and held in the Yemen nature reserve, this annual event gave lovers of sport and the natural world a memorable day out. Wending through the […]
Yan Maroussem: A heart full of nature This mountain guide and pioneer of hiking tours in Mauritius hardly requires introduction; Yan de Maroussem is a passionate nature lover! Originally from western Mauritius, Yan de Maroussem spent most of his youth between Tamarin and Le Morne. This region – the part of the country he knows […]
The West is on the brink of major transformation with new road infrastructure projects designed to improve comfort and mobility for everyone. These ambitious initiatives are set to significantly boost the appeal of this dynamic region of Mauritius. Over the past few years, the West has undergone remarkable growth, thanks to the high quality of […]
For the second year in a row, Cascavelle Business Park proudly served as the Silver Sponsor of the queen stage of the Tour de Maurice and hosted the ceremonial start of the race. Dive into the highlights of this prestigious competition, known as the Grand Prix The West & Velogic, renowned for attracting enthusiasts from […]
June 21, 2024 marked World Music Day and the West Coast did not disappoint as iconic locations of the region transformed into vibrant stages for an array of musical celebrations. Let’s revisit some highlights that showcased music in all its glory! SPARC: An evening of celebration and sharing On June 21, the SPARC sports centre […]
Assan Alybokus, the beloved barber of Bambous In the bustling heart of Bambous, a timeless haven awaits. SOS Barber Shop, affectionately known as “Souga” to regulars, is more than just a barbershop – it’s an integral part of the community. Aptly located on the Royal Road of the village, the shop thrums with the energy […]
Ranini Cundasawmy, a combat sport powerhouse, has carved an impressive path in Muay-Thai and Kun Khmer, ancient martial arts more commonly known as Thai boxing and Cambodian boxing. While she’s forged a phenomenal career in these disciplines, her talents transcend the ring, excelling in other sports such as Savate, La Croche and Taekwondo. In 2003, […]
From October 11 to 13, 2024, The West will gear up once again to host the Colin Mayer Tour, an unmissable mountain biking event that’s known to attract cycling enthusiasts from new and far. In fact, riders from all over will come together to experience the thrill of racing through this vibrant region, where high […]
It’s been almost six years now that Jordan Joumon gets to call the tranquil village of Albion home. By day, he is dedicated to his role within a local eyewear brand, but by night, he immerses himself into the cosmos as an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. Jordan’s love affair with astronomy began in his childhood, […]
