JA Mascareignes empowers youth with free generative AI training

JA Mascareignes is offering a free training on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence to support young people in developing the skills of tomorrow. As part of its mission to prepare youth for employability, entrepreneurship, and essential skills in the digital era, JA Mascareignes announces the launch of a free artificial intelligence training program aimed at young people aged 16 to 24.

This initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to democratizing access to digital skills and equipping young people to face the rapid transformations of the job market.

Developed by Microsoft in partnership with LinkedIn, the “Career Essentials in Generative AI” course enables participants to gain a solid understanding of generative artificial intelligence, explore its real-world applications in both academic and professional contexts, and learn how to use these technologies responsibly. The program is delivered online through five modules, with a total duration of approximately five hours. It concludes with the issuance of an official certificate, which can be added to an academic or professional portfolio.

Through this certification program, JA Mascareignes reaffirms its commitment to strengthening youth employability and providing access to key skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital environment.

As part of the rollout of its programs, JA Mascareignes continues to expand its impact across educational institutions.

Last year, more than 700 students from 28 schools benefited from this training. This year, the organization aims to train an additional 700 students. In addition, six teachers have been trained to support its implementation.

Young people can register via the following link: https://shorturl.at/I8LNg. They will be able to sign in with their LinkedIn account and complete the program at their own pace.

The launch of the JAM Alumni Passport

Launched on Friday 17th April at Ebène SSS Girls, the JAM Alumni Passport is a new initiative designed to keep alumni engaged, active, and connected after completing their JA Company of the Year (COY) journey.

It works as a journey tracker, encouraging participation in:
Events
Workshops
Mentorship sessions
Networking opportunities

Each participation earns a stamp, helping alumni progress through different levels of engagement over time.

The main goal is to strengthen engagement within our alumni community by encouraging continuous participation, while also recognising and rewarding involvement in a meaningful way.

As alumni accumulate stamps throughout the year, they unlock different rewards and benefits such as recognition within the community, access to exclusive opportunities, and networking advantages.

More than a program, the JAM Alumni Passport aims to build a more connected, active, and value-driven alumni network.

We look forward to seeing this initiative grow and bring lasting impact to our community.

 

JA Mascareignes celebrates 15 years

In early December, JA Mascareignes celebrated 15 years of impact with a warm gathering bringing together former Chairpersons and Board members, alumni, partners, and staff.

We were honoured to welcome Pablo Marroche, Partnership Development Manager at JA Americas, highlighting the strength of our global network.

The celebration was a moment to reflect on our journey, values, and the collective efforts that continue to shape the future of JA Mascareignes.

Africa Company of the Year 2025 – Plantura wins second prize in Africa

JA Mascareignes proudly congratulates Plantura from Loreto College of St Pierre, winners of Second Prize at the Africa Company of the Year 2025 in Nigeria.

Their sustainable, tech-enabled air-purifying plant pot impressed the judges, earning them five awards, including:

  • Girls Lead Award
  • Best Facilitator Award
  • Entrepreneurs’ Organization Rising Leader Award
  • First Bank CEO Entrepreneurship Award
  • 1st Runner-Up – Africa COY 2025

An outstanding achievement showcasing young Mauritian innovation on the African stage.

Goal Accelerator in Rodrigues

Through the first-ever implementation of the Goal Accelerator Programme in Rodrigues in August 2025, young women entrepreneurs showcased their creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The programme reflects JA Mascareignes’ commitment to empowering young women and strengthening entrepreneurship on the island.