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