Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-03-27 07:30:48
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2008, Jean-Marie Le Clézio hopes that, “like everyone else, Mauritius can fully exercise its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and that children can easily travel to see the country of their ancestors.”
This wish was expressed on Saturday during a meeting with about forty children, including twenty-five Chagossians, at the Chagosian Center in Pointe-aux-Sables, in the presence of their families, Olivier Bancoult, leader of the Chagos Refugees Group, and the Asgarally couple. This initiative was organized by the Formation for Interculture and Peace (FIP).
The Chagossian children, as well as those from Bambous who attend weekly workshops led by volunteers under the guidance of Sarojini Asgarally as part of the FIP, welcomed the Nobel Prize in Literature with a song and dance. “This is interculturalism in action,” she told Le Mauricien.
Jean-Marie Le Clézio appreciated the performance: “I am very happy to see you. I really liked the choreography, very well done.” He emphasized that dance and music, even electronic music, bring joy and happiness, and are a part of culture. “We talk about popular culture but it is the only culture,” he said, noting that his daughter plays the guitar and plays rhythm and blues, which is different from sega, but more like rock; and she has formed a band only with girls, because she says there are not enough girls who sing. Jean-Marie Le Clézio expressed his wish that one day she could come and play a piece for the children and that he could see them again.
Speaking about the impact of books, he said, “I write books. It’s like music. It is a part of culture.” Jean-Marie Le Clézio shared his love for stories that feature children because, he continued, “they have something to give. They have a very strong truth. They have the strength to convey what adults are sometimes not capable of saying. I am happy to be here with you. I hope to see you in your future presentations.”
JMG Le Clézio had a special message for the young Chagossians. “Everyone hopes that one day Chagos will return to Mauritius. And that you, the children, will be able to easily travel to see the country of your ancestors, your mothers, your grandparents.” He mentioned that he arrived with a special thought for Olivier Bancoult. Jean Marie Le Clézio concluded by telling the children, “You are the hope of Mauritius and the hope of Chagos. Keep dancing, reading books, and listening to music!”
Earlier, Olivier Bancoult briefly introduced JMG Le Clézio to the children, reminding them that he encourages reading, especially among children, and that education is the key to the future. He also emphasized that out of 3000 native Chagossians, only 337 remain today. And they are on a mission to pass on Chagossian culture and heritage to the younger generation. Donald Ah Chuen, who supports the GRC in educational support for children, also spoke on this occasion.
Sarojini Asgarally highlighted the wonderful nature of books, while discussing the FIP and the project of distributing books to children. “These are not textbooks but storybooks that are more like your companions; books that will make you dream; that you will read with pleasure. Books that will accompany you and comfort you during difficult times,” she said.
The meeting was marked by the distribution of books to children and ended with a snack.
Reading aloud from “Lire, une Anthologie internationale”
Jean-Marie Le Clézio and Issa Asgarally invite the public, especially high school and college students from BAC and HSC, to attend a reading of texts published in “Lire, une Anthologie internationale” at the Caudan Arts Centre tomorrow at 10:30 am.
The book, launched last week, contains the testimonies of eighteen international authors on their encounters with books as a plea to encourage reading among children and youth. Each testimony is accompanied by illustrations from artists. Those present at CAC on Tuesday will also have the opportunity to see the illustrations on a big screen. Admission is free.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
