Stop Emotional Abuse Trauma (SEAT) is a project set up by three motivated young citizens in the north of the island in the context of the National Leadership Engine (NLE) 2022 of the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It aims at increasing awareness about emotional abuse and prevention among the youth and the community at large.
SEAT’s first campaign was held on Saturday 8 October 2022 at salle d’oeuvre Cap Malheureux. It enlisted the participation of 35 adolescents aged between 7 and 11, and some other youngsters from Groupe Volontaires de Cap Malheureux concerned with youth development and community welfare. The session included a practical interactive exercise in a team approach. Participants were divided into small groups and encouraged to express themselves openly through painting and personal interaction, and to share their feelings and mental attitude about factors and circumstances that, according to their experience, can impact on happiness, sadness, frustration, anger, success or failure.
It was a highly enriching experience. It helped in identifying internal griefs and wounds that are often stuck in individuals but remain invisible. A positive outcome that will serve as base for extending the campaign to other social groups, adults and parents included.
For the project initiators, Kogilan Manikkam, 20 yrs hailing from Riviere du Rempart, Diana Rye Bhunjun, 35 from Piton and Paramveer Mungrah, 30 from Grand Baie, SEAT will also serve as a coordinating and communication network between professional counsellors and existing small associations in the north and around the island.
SEAT enjoys the professional mentorship of Mrs. Venisha Jugnarain, an award winning psychotherapist ranked in the Top 9 African Union Continental Teacher Award 2021, and Mrs Sarah Madoo, Management professional in the tourism industry and co-trainer. Mrs Madoo’s project “Make Learning Fun” on behalf of the Riviere du Rempart youth centre made it to the top at the NLE 2019 edition.
SEAT has wide support from local family and friends, and sponsorships, mainly from Intermart, Grand Baie and Luxury Ocean Vacation Ltd.