Mauritius relaunches the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) program, aiming to instill patriotism and civic values in young citizens.
The Mauritian government has relaunched the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) program, placing it under the Prime Minister's Office and involving the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Police Force. The program aims to foster patriotism, responsibility, and civic values among youth. The pilot edition, running from November 16 to 28, 2026, will select 200 Grade 8 students aged 12 to 13 from across the country, including Rodrigues and Agaléga.
Over fourteen days, participants will engage in immersive training, with the first week at regional centers and the second in a residential setting. The curriculum focuses on national education, character development, discipline, emergency preparedness, safety, and community volunteering. The program's innovative hybrid format emphasizes experiential learning and communal living, bringing together civil and security entities to promote a sense of community and national cohesion.
This initiative is viewed as a strategic investment in the nation's future, designed to cultivate responsible, supportive citizens aware of their role in national development. Following this pilot phase and subsequent evaluations, the government plans a nationwide expansion starting in 2027. The residential component is intended to create a unique space for cultural and social mixing among young people from different islands and regions.
Why it mattersTwo hundred students aged 12 to 13 will participate in a two-week civic education program designed to foster patriotism and community cohesion.
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