By the Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS), Forus member in Mauritius 

The Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS) in partnership with FORUS embarked on a project entitled “Capacity Development Action” which was co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the French Development Agency (AFD). MACOSS has been able to complete the planned activities with great difficulties due to a number of challenges faced due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

One of the main activities in this project was the creation of the MACOSS website which has been successfully achieved. We are now visible at http://macoss.mu/. Since its virtual official launching ceremony organised with FORUS on 4 February 2021, the visitor’s counter is progressing day by day. On 31 May 2021, the counter read was 600. The new visibility has received much appreciation from our members. This is a good sign to indicate the success of this project. The website is being updated regularly and MACOSS is displaying its work and thus, stakeholders including donors can track the engagements of MACOSS. MACOSS invites the FORUS network to send news and articles to be posted on this platform at [email protected] with the Events and Project Officer, [email protected] in copy. 

The capacity building of our people and key stakeholders in communication has enhanced the interaction between partners. Member organisations were capacitated in social media tools and are now better equipped with adequate skills and knowledge not only to communicate with MACOSS but also to reach out their beneficiaries. Members are now using emails as the main means to communicate with MACOSS which was very appropriate and useful during the confinement period (COVID-19 national lockdown). They are also more conversant in using social media to attend online meetings. During the confinement period from 10 March to 30 April 2021, MACOSS did organize a number of online meetings with its members and stakeholders to share experiences, exchange views and discuss about issues such as NGOs’ proposals for the National Budget 2021-2022 and strategies for NGOs to better deliver in the “new normal”.  

The Lessons Learnt from this project

While developing a communication strategy, it was felt that MACOSS should carry out a SWOT analysis every five years, to identify and develop strategies to better communicate with stakeholders as the environment is everchanging and dynamic. Such exercise helps in building on what is being done correctly, developing strategies to address what is lacking, and minimizing the risks as well as to take the greatest possible advantage of chances for success in the digital environment. This exercise has also allowed MACOSS to review its vision and mission as well as to develop a new set of core values. 

During the practical social media workshop for members who were not conversant in using some, it was found that beyond learning about how to communicate effectively, practicing in the real-world is essential for improving communication skills. The members are now able to communicate effectively through social media. Members who learned how to create an email account are now using this tool to communicate with MACOSS. 

The Way forward 

Regular capacity building programmes for staff and members on social media to cope with this dynamic environment.