In a remarkable celebration of community empowerment and inclusive education, F.A.L.C.O.N (Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperative, Organic Network), in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, organised an inspiring Award Ceremony on 23 July 2025 marking the culmination of a five-day training program on “Advanced Food Processing”.  

Supported by the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF), this program brought together 35 participants from across Mauritius, united by a shared goal of enhancing processing local skills and enhancing quality and safety of foods. The presence of distinguished guests - the President of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency Mr D. Gokhool, GCSK and the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr The Honourable Arvin Boolell, GOSK, were a powerful testament to the importance of grassroots capacity-building and also a profound acknowledgment of the vital role that community-led initiatives play in shaping a resilient and sustainable food sector. By opening its doors to participants from diverse backgrounds and age, the Faculty of Agriculture reaffirmed its mission to make education a tool for social equity and community development. This initiative exemplifies how the University of Mauritius is a catalyst for change, ensuring that knowledge and skills are available to all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location.

All the orators, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof S K Sobhee, FREcon, the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Assoc Prof J Govinden Soulange, the Training Coordinator, Assoc Prof D Goburdhun and the President of F.A.L.C.O.N, Mr Gunsham Seeborun highlighted the transformative power of inclusive education – breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be marginalised. They emphasized that grassroots capacity-building is essential for sustainable growth, especially in vital sectors like food processing and safety.

The Resource Persons for the programme were Assoc Prof D. Goburdhun, Assoc Prof S Santchurn and Dr D Ramful Baboolall from the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture.