The dynamism of the trustees ensured that funds were raised through dances and other events, which served two purposes: -  

(i)           The dances brought together the Mauritian Community in the UK and enabled them to mix socially in a Mauritian environment. 

(ii)          The fundraising  enabled the trust to fulfil its aims of helping the community both in the U.K. and in Mauritius .   

By 1990, there was no longer such a need. The Mauritians in the U.K. had by then been fully integrated in the community of their host country. In Mauritius , the majority of people had benefited from the economic miracle of the late 80’s and 90’s.

Co-operation and collaboration. By 1996, OMAT decided that we needed to change our ways of operating and to optimise the returns from our limited resources. We now work closely with other organisations and individuals to achieve our objectives. Working Committees are currently being set up to enable OMAT (Mauritius) Limited to recruit skilled and experienced individuals in the short term to speed up the set up of our various projects. It is important OMAT (Mauritius) Ltd is no longer distracted from firm governance by never ending discussions with no substance.  

Pilgrimage  

  

In 2000, we looked into the possibilities of raising funds from pilgrimages. Through our contacts in community transport organisations in the U.K. , we hired a minibus to take a group of Mauritian U.K. residents to Pinterville ( Normandy ) for the feast of Père Laval in September 2000.  It was a great success.   

In May 2001, we organised a six-day pilgrimage to Lourdes by executive coach. Since then, we have organised pilgrimages in coaches to Lourdes , Walsingham, Lisieux , Mont Saint Michel, and of course Pinterville every year in September. The surplus generated financed our work in the U.K. and in Mauritius .

OMAT (Mauritius) Ltd In Mauritius we have set up a group of volunteers and helpers to organise and run our Education Project and to liaise with the Organisation Fraternelle de Malherbes and other organisations in the area for the planning and the construction of an Education and Training Centre in Curepipe, and eventually the provision of a nursery school, hall, and an advice service. We are pleased to announce that OMAT (Mauritius) Ltd, just like the Overseas Mauritians Aid Trust in England, is recognised as a charitable Institution by the Mauritius Revenue Authority as from the 19th August 2009.  This recognition will open the door to many developments especially in our dealings with international organisations.

If you need further details, we can be contacted on phone/ fax 020 8696 9897 or e-mail: omatuk@btinternet.com.  For further information, visit us on www.omat.org.uk

OMAT is in close contact with various organisations and individuals in Mauritius , the U.K. , France and Australia. Why don't you inform us of your activities? The information will then be published on the website, which can then be downloaded and printed for circulation among the Mauritian communities wherever they may be. Articles can be in English and French.

If you have any questions or comments or are able to help in any way please contact OMAT on 020 8696 9897 or send us an email