Mauritius
Commonwealth Point of Light 29 . Vashil Avinash Jasgray
Vashil Avinash Jasgray, representing Mauritius, is a social activist who has spent eight years leading community projects for disadvantaged children and young people in Mauritius.
He is currently the Director of Community Projects at the Mahebourg branch of ‘Rotary International’, where he initiated a project that provides basic education and literacy skills to local disadvantaged children while educating them in the issues of drug and alcohol use. Vashil also coordinates activities at the ‘Plaine Magnien Youngsters Academy’, where he runs a literacy project to improve the reading and writing abilities of vulnerable children. Most recently he established a rugby team for children with disabilities with the aim of participating in the ‘Mixed Ability Rugby World Tournament’ next year in Scotland.
The award for Vashil will be presented to him by Keith Allan, UK High Commissioner in Mauritius, on Thursday 12 April at a reception marking the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting taking place in London.
Vashil said:
“I am truly honoured to receive this award. I did not expect this and it is a really big surprise for me. This award given by Her Majesty The Queen is the recognition of my voluntary work and future coming projects. This award is not about me but it’s for the organisation I am working with and I really hope this will inspire more youths to volunteer for the betterment of society and to work selflessly.”
Keith Allan, UK High Commissioner in Mauritius, said:
“Vashil has shown amazing commitment to helping some of society’s most vulnerable citizens. His selfless dedication to volunteer his time to provide education to underprivileged children should be seen as an example to all of us. He fully
deserves this award.”