They were some seven hundred staff and students gathered for Prince Edward’s visit at Le Bocage International School last Thursday. The expression on their faces showed how excited and impatient they were and, as from 10 am, the whole school was mobilized to welcome the Prince of Wessex. At 12.15 pm, his Highness arrived preceded by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sylvio Tang, His Excellency Anthony Godson, the British High Commissioner to Mauritius and other important personalities.

The visit of the Prince was in the context of the 40th anniversary of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA). This activity for youngsters aged between 15 and 25 years old, consists in benevolent work to help the community. It started in 1956 in Great Britain and ten years after in Mauritius with the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip in charge of it.

Prince Edward was welcomed by David Muddle, the headmaster of Le Bocage. After unveiling a memorial plaque, the prince and the other important guests were invited by Mr Muddle for a little visit of the school. The headmaster seized the opportunity to give some information to his highness on the various activities of the school. Then came the speeches.

After David Muddle had thanked those he had to and reiterated his welcome to the Prince, it was then the latter’s turn to address the audience. The Prince showed his sense of humour and expressed his gratitude for having been invited by the school. The last part of the visit was to the school gymnasium. There, many talented and skilful youngsters performed acrobatic shows in the air, demonstrations of Kung Fu Fighters, art paintings and even cultural dances in front of his Royal highness.

One student involved in those activities, Ashwina Rangasamy, explained how delighted she was that she had been able to shape her personality through this competition. “During my whole year in the NYAA, I have learned how to be more responsible. During the residential projects, I have learnt to cook and paint, as we painted the houses of some disabled persons. I now feel more ready for tomorrow’s challenges.” Furthermore she said how happy she was: “I was really honoured to receive an award from the Prince himself. It is not everyone who gets this opportunity.”

As for David Muddle, he could not hide his happiness. “Today was a fabulous day. It is not everyone who gets the opportunity to receive the prince. I think it is the best day I have ever had in the last four years of my career. Moreover, what makes me pleased is that, out of 35 students who received the gold award, 24 were from Bocage. This is an indication of the quality of education we offer!”

In reply to our questions, Prince Edward described his trip to Mauritius as “really nice”. But he emphasized more on the NYAA. In this context, he said “the aim of the NYAA is to make youngsters more responsible citizens for the future!”

Before coming to Le Bocage, the Prince had paid a courtesy call on the State House, where he was welcomed by the President of the Republic, Sir Anerood Jughnauth. There, 35 students from several schools such as Royal College Curepipe, Northfields and Bocage received their gold awards. His Highness left the country just after his visit to Le Bocage International School. His next stop was South Africa…