Some 125 participants from different ministries and institutions are attending.  The resource person is Professor Suresh Kumar, a world renowned scientist, management consultant, expert in the field of education in human values, and humanitarian from Malaysia.

‘While we are striving to build stronger families, we are also confronted with issues of serious concern such as domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, crime which are gaining ground’, said the Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Mireille Martin, in her address at the launching ceremony.

The Minister gave statistics pertaining to cases of domestic violence and children victims of parental abuse.  In 2009, 2,352 cases and in 2010, 2,215 cases of domestic violence and children victims of parental abuse were reported through the six Family Support Bureaux of the Ministry.  ‘Our shelters are operating beyond capacity to cater for these victims’, she further observed. 

According to the Minister, everyday newspapers carry reports of cases of larceny, crime, assaults, adding that one of the root causes of these problems is the erosion of family values.  With a population of 1.2 million, the Republic of Mauritius is confronted with various social problems which, if left unattended, will impact negatively on our social fabric and by extension hamper socio-economic growth.  This should be a major concern for all Mauritians, stressed Mrs Martin.