Women’s parliamentary caucus conducts goodwill visit to La Digue |13 May 2025
Women’s parliamentary caucus conducts goodwill visit to La Digue
The Women’s parliamentary caucus led by its chairperson Hon. Regina Esparon last week conducted a goodwill visit to La Digue, to meet with a group of semi-orphans.
She was accompanied by the vice-chairperson of the committee, Hon. Audrey Vidot, and other members, namely Hons. Kelly Samynadin, Sylvanne Lemiel, Doyace Porice, Valdana Sultan, Cecile Larsen, Louisette Tamboo and Desheila Bastienne.
Semi-orphans are children who have lost one parent and are supported through various institutions and organisations such as the Agency for Social Protection (ASP). The Women’s parliamentary caucus (WPC) interacted with the children over lunch in the presence of ASP principal Benefit and Welfare Officer, Marlene Folette, who highlighted the critical role of social institutions in supporting vulnerable individuals.
During this event, children shared their aspirations and dreams of adulthood, and the goals they aimed to achieve in the years ahead. This exchange was a great opportunity for WPC to gain a deeper insight into programmes such as the Semi-Orphan Benefit Financial Assistance Scheme from the ASP.
Conversations revealed areas that demand improvement, ensuring policies serve their intended purpose effectively. Friendly discussions continued, with the honourable members offering encouragement in the achievement of their dreams and words of wisdom to aid them through their challenges. These words were not just mere pleasantries, but the members wanted to reassure these children that their dreams are valid and achievable. The lunch concluded with the WPC presenting small souvenir tokens to the children.
During the visit to La Digue, the caucus then paid a visit to St Mary’s Hospital to extend its support to the healthcare staff and have a tour of the hospital before concluding the fruitful visit.
Also present were committee secretaries Florette Monaie and Samia Lebon.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the visit.
Contributed