Policy

Over the years the NGOs have been a privileged partner of Government in the provision of social services in the fields of disability and social welfare.

With the changing socio-economic pattern following industrialisation and accelerated growth over the past years, there has been a shift in our strategy regarding the NGO sector. The Ministry has been encouraging NGOs to play a more active part in the provision of social welfare. In pursuance of this policy, increased support is being given to enable NGOs to participate fully in our socio-economic development.

a) providing financial support to MACOSS to mount training courses to improve the capability development of NGOs;

b) encouraging the visits of foreign consultants to advise NGOs in their activities;

c) encouraging the participation of NGOs in International forums and their affiliations with international bodies;

d) encouraging MACOSS to establish contacts with donors for the benefit of its affiliates;

e) financing micro projects with a view to enhancing the infrastructure of NGOs; and

f) providing direct grants to para-statal bodies dealing with NGOs and grant-in-aid directly to NGOs.

Name of Organisation	Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS)
Year Founded	1965
Enactment	No. 55 of 1970
Address	Astor Court, Port Louis - Mauritius
Telephone No.	(230) 212 0242
Fax No:	(230) 208 6370

Mission Statement	MACOSS seeks to promote social and community development and voluntary action through national non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It strengthens its member constituents by initiating communication and collaboration firstly among NGOs, and secondly, between NGOs and Government, primarily through meetings, publications and institutional development activities.

Objectives	(i) To stimulate and promote economic, social and cultural activities for the advancement of the community. (ii) To assist in the planning and to co-ordinate the activities of member organisations. (iii) To organise or join in organising workshops, seminars, conferences and training courses for voluntary social workers, personnel of voluntary, non-governmental organisations and professionals to strengthen their organisational and managerial capabilities. (iv) To co-ordinate the activities of NGOs in emergency and natural disaster activities and programmes. (v) To collect, diffuse and share information pertaining to adult education and development in particular.

Structure	The Mauritius Council of Social Service is at present constituted of 102 affiliated member organisations. The members form the Council and they meet during the Annual General Assembly where the Chairman and the Executive Committee members are elected. The Executive Committee is composed of 26 members and 6 Sub Committees/Networks operating under it. The Council also has a Secretariat headed by the Secretary Manager who is the Chief Executive. He is also assisted by other support staff. The secretariat is responsible for the implementation of MACOSS Programmes.

Commissions	(i) Human Resource Development; (ii) Adult and Continuing Education; (iii) Care for the Elderly; (iv) Credentials; (v) Documentation and Publication; and (vi) Legal Commission.

Networks	(i) Gender and Family Development (ii) Environment and Community Development

Main Activities	- Coordination of activities of member organisations - Organisation of Seminars, Workshops and Forum on burning social issues - Training Programmes - Information sharing through the publication of a quarterly Newsletter - Research on Social Issues.