A school of opportunities at Maurilait’s Open Days
More than 100 students from six different schools, ranging from Grade 11 to Grade 12, took part in this immersive experience. The primary objective of these open days, according to Olivier Zuël, General Manager of Maurilait, is to showcase the various aspects of the dairy production industry—from research and development to production and many other exciting fields. By encouraging students to explore these often-overlooked careers, the company hopes to inspire future vocations.
As part of an innovative educational initiative, the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA), in collaboration with Mauritian companies including Maurilait Production Ltée, launched a series of open days this week. This large-scale event, spread over two weeks at Maurilait, aims to introduce young, curious minds to the dynamic and exciting careers within the modern dairy industry.
On Wednesday, students from Gaëtan Raynal College had the privilege of experiencing Maurilait’s world firsthand. The journey began with a compelling introduction by the Human Resources team, followed by insights from representatives of various departments who shared their roles and responsibilities in an engaging and interactive setting. Among them was Valérie Babajee, a loyal employee with 43 years of service, who emotionally recounted her early days at the company, providing living testimony to Maurilait’s evolution and modernization. The experience was further enriched by an exclusive guided tour of the factory, offering students a real and tangible perspective on the production process—an invaluable opportunity to explore behind the scenes and witness dairy production in action.
Olivier Zuël delivered an inspiring message to the students: "A company has the power to support your growth while providing a fulfilling work environment. Here at Maurilait, we have a deep passion for our professions, and I hope you find that same passion in whatever you choose to pursue. It was important for us to give you an overview of the different career options available within the Mauritian industrial sector."
Among the students who participated in this unique experience, Tatiana Kureemun, a Grade 12 student at Gaëtan Raynal College, expressed her amazement: "The entire experience left a lasting impression on me. The production process, the sterilization of products, the packaging… I wasn’t expecting this! Everything is so modern! We had the chance to learn about different jobs, and this has really opened up new perspectives for us," she shared enthusiastically.
A highlight of the open days was the visit by the Minister of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Leela Devi Dookun Luchoomun. She praised the initiative, emphasizing the value of this firsthand professional exposure: "These open days offer a unique experience to understand how a company operates. Students had the opportunity to discover production processes, teamwork, and the positive atmosphere within the organization. This experience is invaluable for young people as it broadens their professional horizons. Often, they have a limited perception of the job market, mainly thinking of office jobs. Very few of them truly know about the diverse career opportunities within a company, the different roles available, and the positions they could hold."
She also highlighted the importance of industry immersion in gaining real insight into how businesses function: "From customer service to production and maintenance, there are so many aspects to explore. These insights cannot be fully understood through textbooks alone; one needs to be at the heart of the industry to truly grasp them. I commend this excellent initiative by MEXA and the companies that are opening their doors, allowing young people to step into and immerse themselves in the professional world."
Lilowtee Rajmun-Jooseery, Director of MEXA, also shared her vision for the initiative: "Our goal is to give students an inside look at how companies operate, to expand their knowledge, and to support them as future industry ambassadors. They are the pillars of tomorrow, the driving forces of our professional future. It is crucial to introduce them early on to how businesses function, the various careers that shape our industry, and the environments in which these companies operate. This initiative aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the sector."
She also stressed the importance of increasing the sector’s visibility and strengthening connections between young people and businesses: "These students represent our future workforce, the employees who will contribute to the evolution of our industry. The objective is to foster stronger ties between youth and businesses while enhancing awareness of our field."
The hope is that these open days have enlightened young minds, sparking interest and inspiring new aspirations… Only time will tell!