CSR in Mauritius: How Ascencia empowers Education and Arts
Ascencia's CSR Initiatives: Promoting Education and Art in Mauritius
At Ascencia, we believe in creating a positive impact that goes beyond our malls. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are focused on promoting inclusive development, supporting local communities, and promoting education and culture across Mauritius. We partner with trusted organisations to ensure that our actions make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Ascencia’s commitment to CSR in Mauritius
Our CSR approach is rooted in purpose. Through our CSR committee, we focus on investing in projects that open real opportunities in education, arts, and culture. Equally important is our commitment to engaging our own employees in these initiatives, helping them contribute meaningfully to society.
How does Ascencia support education in Mauritius?
We work closely with local organisations to provide children and youth with access to structured learning and personal development opportunities.
In Ste Catherine: a community empowerment model
In partnership with ENL Foundation, Ascencia is actively supporting the vulnerable community of Ste Catherine with targeted projects designed to uplift young individuals.
- Art Therapy: Weekly art therapy classes began in early 2025 and currently support a group of 10 children, led by art every Monday at 16:00.
- Psycho-social support: One-on-one sessions have been provided since February 2025, helping six children so far to develop healthy coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.
We have also other projects that we support:
- Atelier de Musique: A musical exchange was held on 8 March 2025 at Mo’Zar (an organisation that uses jazz music to combat social exclusion and nurture young talent) between children of Ste Catherine and Mo’Zar’s young artists. The event gave local children a first-hand music experience.
- Long-term music education: Discussions are underway with Mo’Zar to support children from Ste Catherine who wish to pursue specific instruments (like saxophone and trombone) in Port Louis, with plans for sponsorship and structured follow-up.
These initiatives aim to empower youth, build confidence, and promote healthy lifestyle choices through creative education.
What programs does Ascencia have to promote Art and Culture?
We believe art has the power to transform lives. Ascencia proudly partners with Mo’Zar, an organisation that uses jazz music to combat social exclusion and nurture young talent.
Mo’Zar’s programme which Ascencia supports:
- Fly Me To The Moon Junior Program 2025: Damien's Band, a group made up of 12 young musicians (average age: 13), all at beginner level. This group has existed for one year and aims to provide the youngest musicians with experience in group instrumental practice.
- Fly Me To The Moon Program: In July 2025, seven musicians from Mo’Zar will participate in the Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics in Italy. This is a prestigious workshop organised by the Umbria Jazz Foundation in collaboration with Berklee College of Music. The seven Mo’Zar students will focus on strengthening their technical knowledge and practical skills, with some also aspiring to earn scholarships from the Berklee College of Music.
- "Mo’Zar, Mo’Jazz" Tour: Held across our seven malls in April, this tour celebrated International Jazz Day (April 30) by making jazz music accessible to all.
Through these initiatives, Ascencia not only nurtures talent but also brings music, culture, and joy into the daily lives of shoppers and community members.
What impact have Ascencia’s CSR initiatives had on the community?
The impact of our CSR work is evident in the lives we have touched, from the children of Ste Catherine gaining access to art therapy and music, to young musicians travelling abroad to pursue their passion. These initiatives do more than offer support; they create opportunities, strengthen resilience, and open new paths for development.
Our shopping centres are evolving into cultural platforms where education, expression, and inclusion thrive.
Who are Ascencia’s key partners in these CSR efforts?
Our CSR work is made possible through strong partnerships:
- ENL Foundation: Our key partner for community development in Ste Catherine and other vulnerable areas.
- Mo’Zar: A leading advocate of music as a tool for social change and youth empowerment.
- Local NGOs and cultural players: Who help us co-create initiatives with deep community impact.
Together, we are shaping a more vibrant, equitable Mauritius—one initiative at a time.
Ascencia’s CSR Journey
Ascencia’s CSR journey reflects our deep-rooted belief that businesses succeed when communities do. Through our investment in education and culture, we are building more than just malls; we are building brighter futures for the people of Mauritius.
