Gianni Ludovic Jhureea : Winner of the ‘Outstanding Youth Volunteer’

Dedicating your free time to uplift other people’s life – there is no better way to give back to society. Gianni Ludovic Jhureea is one of those youth who has volunteering in his blood. As a reward for his commitment to social work, the IT Support Assistant bagged the ‘Outstanding Young Volunteer’ award. For people with busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, some young persons do not hesitate to give their time for a good cause. Gianni Ludovic Jhureea is one young man who has been contributing to his community since his teens. The resident of Tombeau Bay, who describes himself as a simple and determined young man, believes “that everyone can contribute to the country’s brighter future by simply being a better person.” Aged 28 and working as an IT Support Assistant for a textile group for the past four years, Gianni started volunteering since the age of 15. “It all started when I was following a computer course offered by an NGO. I volunteered to teach the youngsters of that NGO for about 5 years. I have developed my leadership credentials since college where I was elected as a member of the student council and head boy. Since then, I was always portrayed as a leader and have been requested to join many youth associations and NGO’s to help in their mission,” says the young man. The former student of College de La Confiance and DAV Secondary School is in fact very active in social groups. He was a member of the Arya Sabha youth wing, and is now a member of the National Youth Council, Mouvement Civique de Baie du Tombeau and the Youth against Corruption, among others. What inspired and motivated him to make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as his own? “The will to bring a change and see people achieve things with one’s help is my inner inspiration. Witnessing my father dedicating his time and experience as the trainer of the ‘Centre d’Athletisme de Port-Louis’ since early childhood has triggered my passion for social work,” he explains. Volunteering is a two-way street: it has many benefits for both the volunteer and the community served. It can be a great way to boost your social skills, learn more about career options, make friends, garner new professional contacts, get exercise, spend time outdoors, strengthen your ties with the community as well as helping to meet the goals of your particular volunteer project or role, and/or helping to move an organization’s mission forward. In this context, Gianni points out that volunteering is very important for him. “I think that it is a way for someone to have a broader vision of what is found around him/her, and to think differently.” A determined young man, Gianni has followed courses in IT, Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Project Management and has also attended various conferences, seminars and training for youth development. President of the Pamplemousses Regional Youth Council, he acts as a peer counselor for youngsters and sensitizes them about the social ills, organizes both indoor and outdoor activities and also sets up empowerment programmes. “The Regional Youth Council has the objective to empower the youth and act as a bridge between them and the Ministry. Most of those who work with us come from youth clubs or youth associations. A few young people don’t belong to any group, and it is our mission to help them to integrate the one which might suit them. We definitely support youngsters in their daily life experiences. We act as facilitators in any activity that they desire to organize,” he highlights. The ‘Outstanding Young Volunteer’ Award It is on 5th December that Gianni Ludovic was awarded the ‘Outstanding Young Volunteer’prize. The grand ceremony took place at the Pamplemousses Regional Youth Council in the context of the International Volunteer Day, organised by the Mauritius Council of Youth Leaders. The kind hearted man declares that it was a surprise for him. “I didn’t expect to be awarded this prize. To receive this award is an honor. And I want to thank all those who have contributed to my success and I dedicate this award to all volunteers who are trying their best to achieve their missions.” Gianni trusts that the award has definitely given him a boost to pursue more volunteering. “After almost twelve years in this field, this award is a symbol of recognition for my continuous effort and will undoubtedly encourage and generate further and greater achievements,” he confides. Would he encourage young Mauritians to do volunteering? “Yes, I encourage young people to give their free time to benevolent work. There is nothing about status or pride, but what changes you can bring to the society. And my advice to them is to be always sincere in whatever they do.” Gianni says that his plan for the future is to continue to give his best in volunteering. “I have still 6 months to end my mandate as the president of the Pamplemousses RYC and as member of the NYC. Many youth organizations are seeking my help and my experience. I am willing to acquire more knowledge, life experiences and enhance my skills and devotion to extend unlimited help to those in need.”