The ELIT programme, which began as a UNESCO-backed initiative in 2005, has evolved into a powerful platform bridging both the language and digital divide, particularly among women with low academic backgrounds. Following a successful pilot of the online model in 2022, the programme reached new heights in 2023 with the sponsorship of MNS Ltd, enabling 132 women from six NGOs to benefit from the training.
In his keynote address, Dr. Vinaye Ancharaz, Executive Director of the NPCC, lauded the participants’ resilience and the transformational impact of the programme:
“This initiative is more than just learning English or mastering IT skills. It is about self-empowerment, building confidence, and opening doors to a world of opportunities. Today, we celebrate not just certificates, but the extraordinary journey of women who balanced entrepreneurship, family, and community roles to master English and IT skills. Their success proves that with determination and the right tools, barriers can be broken.”
Mr. Arshad Duymun, Chairman of the NPCC, underscored the programme’s strategic value:
“ELIT Online empowers women, advances digital inclusion, and fuels economic growth. The results speak for themselves—from stronger business communication to better educational support for children. Today, we celebrate progress and prepare for an even more inclusive future.”
Mr. Vaidnath Dosieah, Chairman of MNS Ltd, emphasized the critical role of technology in modern life:
“Today, everyone is connected. Digital tools are no longer optional—they are essential for education, business, and daily life. ELIT Online equips women with these vital skills, ensuring no one is left behind in our digital future.”
Mr. Rajnish Hawabhay, Executive Director of MNS Ltd, highlighted the power of collaboration:
“Public-private partnerships like this one between NPCC and MNS create outcomes that benefit all stakeholders, especially small entrepreneurs. By investing in women’s digital literacy, we unlock potential that strengthens families, businesses, and our entire economy.”
The participants were trained by NGO representatives who had previously undergone a comprehensive “Training of Trainers” course delivered by NPCC and Entreprendre au Féminin Océan Indien Region Maurice (EFOI) experts. EFOI then partnered with five other NGOs—Affordable Housing Association; Educational Development and Youth Consultancy Services Epilepsy Group; Groupement Social de Souillac; M-Kids Association; Wings Of Future; and Entrepreneurs Cooperative Society Ltd—to deliver the programme across Mauritius. Digital tools enabled flexible learning, peer engagement, and progress tracking from home.
The ceremony concluded with an exhibition showcasing products crafted by women entrepreneurs from the ELIT programme. Attendees explored handmade goods and small business innovations—a tangible testament to how skills translate into enterprise. From woven textiles to e-commerce platforms, the exhibition highlighted the creativity and economic potential unlocked by ELIT Online.
NPCC and MNS Ltd reaffirmed their commitment to creating more pathways for employment and entrepreneurship. The programme stands as proof that with the right support, barriers can be dismantled—and a brighter future built.
-End of press release-
Note to Editors
The NPCC was set up in 2000 after the enactment of the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council Act No. 9 in 1999 with the objective to stimulate and generate productivity and quality consciousness and drive the productivity and quality movement in all sectors of the economy. The NPCC operates five distinctive units namely Capacity Development, Corporate Services and Operations; Business Development and Consultancy; Innovation, Advocacy and Entrepreneurship; Research, Advisory and Knowledge Management and Productivity and Competitiveness Learning Centre.
For more information, please contact:
Debesh Beedasy
Communications, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC)
3rd Floor, The Catalyst, Silicon Avenue, Cybercity, Ebène 72201, Mauritius
Tel: (230) 467 7700/ (230) 5 729 7700
Fax: (230) 467 3838
Email: npccmauritius@intnet.mu
www.npccmauritius.org