<B>?Developing true native Mauritian arts and crafts is crucial?

I am a young South African who has always known Mauritius as a holiday destination until two years ago. I now call this lovely island my home. I consider myself very fortunate to able to be live a secure, family-oriented and calm life here, which is very difficult to find in an urban lifestyle abroad. The Mauritian lifestyle permits me to focus solely on my arts and crafts, which have always been my passion.

The island is full of beauty and the people are friendly, joyful and have a lovely sense of humour so I understand how foreigners are so attracted to it. For me personally it has been a source of inspiration. Not only has the natural beauty pushed me to paint and draw but also to see how people are so open in learning new skills.

Last week, while visiting an exhibition, at Caudan Waterfront, of different schools around Mauritius, I was delighted to see that young Mauritians were being taught different arts and crafts and that it was also of such good quality. I believe that developing true native Mauritian arts and crafts is crucial, as the Mauritian tourist market is so big. We do have an abundance of craft around and it has been good to see that over the years Mauritian talents are emerging. However, I feel that there is still so much craft around which is imported and strongly believe that the more ?Mauritian? we can make the products, the better it is.

I consider myself truly lucky to be an arts and craft teacher. I have started to give craft lessons at a décor and craft shop in Pointe-aux-Cannoniers (Casa Deco) and will soon be starting art lessons in my studio. Once this is established, I can start participating in the local arts and craft scene and play my part in producing ?l?artisanat mauricien?.