Week 4 Activities & Key Contributions

This week culminated in the successful execution of the Strategic Roundtable, the pivotal event central to my project. The roundtable brought together key stakeholders for a productive dialogue and resulted in significant positive feedback and validation of our work.

• The Roundtable: Execution & Delivery
• Event Management & Adaptability: The morning of the event presented an immediate challenge as our NGO President was unavoidably delayed. Drawing upon our extensive rehearsals and contingency planning, I took the lead in managing the final technological setup and ensuring all operational aspects were running smoothly in time for her arrival. This was a profound lesson in adaptability and the critical importance of robust preparation.
• High-Level Protocol: Managing an event with a substantial guest list - including government officials and ministers, religious leaders like Pandits and Imaams, social workers, and members of the press- provided a practical education in formal protocols, particularly concerning seating arrangements and official etiquette.
• Keynote Presentation: Following the introductions, I delivered the opening presentation, which synthesised data to support FAM's philosophy, unveiled preliminary findings from our national survey, and culminated in an analysis of the issue as a 'wicked problem'—a web of deeply interconnected challenges. My numerous rehearsals and technical checks ensured that my final presentation went smoothly and delivered impact.
• Impact & Outcomes
• Official Endorsement: The presentation was exceptionally well-received. My key messages and data points were directly referenced in the subsequent statements of three of the highest-ranking officials present, indicating immediate resonance and validation of the work.
• Addressing a Critical Data Gap: Following the event, a representative from an attorney journal highlighted that my presentation successfully addressed key data gaps with quantitative evidence, an approach they noted was often lacking in Mauritius. This affirmed that the project was bringing a valuable and distinct perspective to the conversation.
• Community Resonance: The impact of the message extended beyond the event itself. At a later date, a Hindu priest (Pandit) who attended the roundtable echoed key phrases from my speech, demonstrating that the core ideas were not only heard but were being remembered and disseminated within the community.

Reflections and Cultural Insights

• Preparation as the Foundation for Fluidity: This week underscored that meticulous planning is the foundation of successful execution. The multiple run-throughs and contingency plans were not merely procedural; they were essential for navigating unforeseen challenges with confidence and maintaining the event's integrity.
• Quantitative Evidence as a Catalyst: The overwhelmingly positive response to the data-driven presentation revealed a strong appetite for empirical evidence in policy discussions. It became clear that integrating quantitative analysis provides a powerful, credible foundation that resonates with officials and community leaders alike, amplifying our organisation's case for social reform.