<B>Could you explain the purpose of your visit to Mauritius? </B>

After speaking to government officials and community representatives in Mauritius and the Seychelles, the United States embassies in these countries determined there was a need to conduct substance abuse prevention. As a result of the work we?ve done through the US Speaker Programme, we were asked to come here to speak to and work with young people and adults about substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment.

<B>You have visited several schools and spoken to many students about the issue of substance abuse. What has emerged from these discussions? </B>

We have noticed that Mauritius, just like the US, is struggling with substance use and abuse. When I say substance use and abuse, I also mean tobacco and alcohol. In our conversations with young people in particular, we received confirmation that there is a lot of pressure to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs such as marijuana, heroin and Subutex. There is a problem. Substance abuse is the progression into addiction, whether that substance is legal or illegal.

<B>What reasons did they cite to explain their use and abuse of these substances? </B>

They cited many reasons, including, but not limited to, peer pressure, academic and emotional-related stress, pleasure, dealing with the pressure of being young people, escapism and experimentation. Another reason is simply curiosity.

<B>Which is part of what being young is all about, isn?t it? </B>

Absolutely and it?s a part of healthy youth development to explore a little bit. It becomes scary when they explore with things that are fairly dangerous.

<B>Is there anything in particular that struck you about Mauritian youth? </B>

They are bright-eyed, passionate, vocal, honest and sometimes troubled by the pressures to achieve. They are also extremely wise. We?ve had a tremendous response about these tough issues.

<B>You spoke earlier about the need for greater collaboration between the different stakeholders. Why is lack of cooperation such a hindrance? </B>

We?ve had the opportunity to speak to many diverse groups. What was apparent was that all of them are doing good work, but it?s all fairly isolated. It would send an extremely powerful signal if they were to come together and to create national plan to address the issue of substance use and abuse. It?s also important that the different stakeholders keep the channels of communication open and pool their resources together. One of the things that happen when individuals don?t work closely together is duplication or gaps that are not bridged because of a lack of communication.

All the different stakeholders seem to be collecting some of data about substance use and abuse, but there really is no national picture for drugs, alcohol and risk behaviour for Mauritian youth. In our experience, the best way to attack the problem is by doing a national survey, collectively asking key questions in order to determine what is happening exactly. This allows you to really target your efforts.

<I>«(...) It?s also important that the different stakeholders keep the channels of communication open and pool their resources together.»</I>

<B>You also mentioned the scarcity of social workers and psychologists in the school system. How pressing is the need to increase their ranks? </B>

We would be so bold as to say that it would be wonderful to increase their numbers. Currently, the psychologists and social workers are serving large areas and high volumes of schools. There isn?t a strong collaboration between community and school services. Breaking down those sorts of barriers is going to be crucial. Ideally, one trained professional would deal with at risk issues in each school.

<B>Another important issue is the absence of after-school activities. For example, very few sports fields are lit up at night. Can sports and cultural activities help in the fight against substance use and abuse? </B>

We believe such activities are critical. We?ve driven around the countryside quite a bit and were surprised by the lack of recreational venues for youth. We?ve heard from adults that there is much emphasis on academic development and success, which is terrific, but there needs to be a balance with non-academic activities, such as music, the arts and creative endeavours that encourage young people to use the skills they have. They should be taught to contribute to society in some shape or form. There are different learning styles. Some young people respond well to the academic learning style while others respond better to the arts, for example.

<B>Young people are under a lot of pressure to perform academically. What would your message to them be? </B>

They must remember that they are the future of the country, that they have the ability to make choices each and every day and, especially, to take very good of themselves and the people around them. There are points in our lives when we are vulnerable or when we are struggling and it?s OK to ask for help. In fact, it?s important.