PHWA

Physically Handicapped Welfare Association

Mauritius

In 1945, Mauritius was hit by an island-wide disease known as Poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis). Many children died, those who survived were paralysed and bedridden, and nearly all of them had to be hospitalised and some became a burden to their families.

In November 1960, several generous people from all sections of the population formed the CRIPPLES WELFARE ASSOCIATION at the Princess Margaret Orthopaedic Centre, aiming to help these children.

The first fundraising dance was held a month later and since then continuous efforts have been made to raise funds, especially as it became necessary to have a specially designed Centre for orthopedically handicapped people.

Over Rs 120 000 was made from fundraising efforts, voluntary public subscriptions and donations. This was used to build a rehabilitation centre in Rose Hill on a plot of land leased from the Government just behind the law courts, and inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam on the 4th of July, 1973.

The Association changed its name to the Physically Handicapped Welfare Association during the “Year of the disabled” in 1981.

Today, the PHWA is often visited by well-wishers, government officials and foreign visitors involved in similar work, and we are very proud to note that this Centre continues to cater for a good number of physically handicapped people to the present day.

If there is anyone who has any documents or photographs to share with us regarding the History of the Association, please contact us - we will be happy to add relevant documentation to our Archives.