Corporate Social Responsibility
Ever since inception, the company has always been committed in providing voluntary support to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and sponsorship to individuals and associations for the promotion of education, arts and culture and sports activities. Other companies within the group have also individually contributed to fulfil their social responsibility. Our subsidiary, Caudan Development has provided free spaces in the mall for local crafts, exhibitions and cultural and sports events with a view to promote empowerment.
The commitment of the group towards corporate social responsibility was further strengthened with the incorporation in 2010 of Caudan Communauté, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to implement the specific CSR programme of the group. Its main responsibilities consist of financing and working closely in partnership with all stakeholders of the community: the public through NGOs engaged in social work, other foundations which have similar objectives and the authorities, namely the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF).
The management of Caudan Communauté has been entrusted to a committee composed of representatives of the group to translate the philosophy and vision of the group in all CSR activities.
The field of intervention of Caudan Communauté is as follows:
- promotion of socio-economic development, including poverty alleviation and the improvement of gender and human rights;
- promotion of development in the fields of health, education and training, leisure and environment;
- intervention and support during and following catastrophic events; and
- undertaking or participation in programmes approved by the NSIF.
Since its operation, Caudan Communauté has contributed in the following areas namely:
- Support to vulnerable groups: children, women in distress and handicapped;
- Education: literacy programmes and training;
- Health: support to the rehabilitation of patients suffering from mental disorder, inadapted children and fight against AIDS;
- Human values: fight against corruption;
- Arts and culture: opportunities for development of talented musicians;
- Sports: promotion of sports events;
- Environment: creation of green spaces outside the work place; and
- Empowerment of women and children.
During the year under review, Caudan Communauté extended its support to Carpe Diem: an NGO dedicated to using art as a powerful medium to raise awareness about the preservation of nature. Carpe Diem is committed to fostering environmental consciousness through artistic expression, regular workshops and sessions that reach out to children and adults in underpriviledged areas. Our support to Carpe Diem helped to organise a large-scale event whereby international artists could travel to Mauritius to collaborate with local artists and in turn, intervene in difficult areas through different workshops and art therapy sessions. This initiative has helped to empower young participants by providing creative platforms to inspire both self-expression and a deeper understanding of environmental preservation. These values resonate strongly with our growing concern for sustainable, education and community-centric projects.
As part of its diverse artistic offering, Caudan Arts Centre (CAC) is deeply committed to community engagement and fostering artistic awareness through a range of accessible initiatives. This year, CAC has hosted a number of free visits and tours for children of public primary and secondary schools. Opening its doors to young audiences means allowing children to explore the theatre and artistic world, what goes on behind the scenes, participate in Q&A sessions with the creative team and gain valuable insights into the world of arts and potential career paths. CAC has also been heavily involved in artistic collaborative endeavours with groups such as ABAIM, Fondation Georges Charles and Autisme Maurice through workshops and performances.
To make performances more accessible for children, CAC has also built strong relationships with community organisations such as Cirque Sociale de Cite La Chaux and 10th Lower Plaine Wilhems Notre Dame du Rosaire, ensuring that art is within reach for all. One of the highlights of the CAC programming were projects like Tizan Gato Kanet and Retrospektiv Vaco – both related to the rich cultural heritage of Mauritius. Children who had access to the shows also discovered the Retrospektiv Vaco exhibition and the last artworks by the prolific Mauritian artist, Vaco Baissac. Guided tours with explanations were given to students from public schools as well as elder members of senior homes. CAC collaborated with artistic groups such as A Million Dreams show to help fund raise for different associations. Together with Ensemble 415, a fundraising concert was held to enable a young artist to pursue her higher studies in music abroad.
Through these initiatives, CAC has not only sought to actively nurture appreciation for creative expression within the community, but also to make arts more accessible.