The Service to Mauritius (STM) Programme was approved by Government in February 2008 for enlistment of skilled professionals, researchers and outstanding university students with the following objectives:

(i)     attract the best and the brightest young minds to spend some time in public service;

(ii)    enable these young people to contribute their knowledge;

(iii)   attract resources for a well-defined task to deal with a shortage of skills, where no establishment post is being filled; and

(iv)   provide an opportunity for the candidates to get some work experience.

 

The duration of the internship is for a period of two years renewable for an additional period of one year on the basis of performance.

 

In November 2012, the STM programme was extended to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) possessing at least a bachelor’s degree. As the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board is the authority for establishing and maintaining a register of disabled persons, the enlistment of PWD is made through the Board which submits a list of candidates for placement under the STM Programme.

 

The STM Programme was frozen in 2015 following decision of Government to extend the Youth Employment Programme to the Civil Service and other Government Bodies. The Programme was reinstated in 2016 to enable enlistment of University Graduates in scarcity areas in the Civil Service.

 

Interns under the Programme are paid an all-inclusive allowance comprising of transport allowance, meal allowance and other incidental expenses.

 

 

Number of Persons with Disabilities who have benefitted from the Programme

According to records, the number of PWDs who have benefitted from the Programme from 2012 to date is 26 out of which 5 are still in post and most of remaining 21 have benefitted from full internship.

1.      Types of disabilities of the Interns from 2012 to date

·         physical (left leg prosthesis)

·         speech problem/moderate speech

·         knee surgery

·         scoliosis of spine/bilateral talipes equinovarus/bilateral club hand

·         physical kyphoscoliosis

·         psychological disorder

·         physical amputation

·         visual/blind/visually impaired/vision deficiency

·         mild physical (reduced left hand movement)

·         hearing disability

·         congenital defect in right hand

·         feet malformation

·         skin pigmentation

·         albinism

·         physical - walk with hand crutch (mobile – can travel alone)

·         physical impairment – use of walking frame

 

Person with Disabilities in Wheelchair

As regards candidates with wheelchair, 3 applications have been submitted by the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board for consideration under the Programme as follows: -

(a)   2 in 2014. However, no placement could be identified; and

(b)   1 in 2017. However, as recommended by the TEDPB, the candidate will need the following as well as reasonable accommodation to allow him to carry out his duties: -

(i)     Transport

(ii)   Ramps

(iii) Lift      

 

In such circumstances, the name of the candidate along with other candidates who are physically handicapped and need assistance provided by Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board (TEDPB), have been put on reserve list as appropriate postings which can accommodate their specific circumstances are being identified. The Ministry will proceed with their placements under the STM Programme as soon as appropriate postings are available for these candidates. The TEDPB has been informed accordingly and has again been requested to look into the possibility to provide the necessary assistance to enable placement of these candidates.

Yaaseen Edoo