The year 2024 marks a quarter-century since the founding of the Cultural Reading and Animation Center (CLAC) in Rivière Coco. This milestone was celebrated on the 08th of August in the presence of the Deputy Chief Commissioner, Johnson Roussety, G.O.S.K., President of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, Christian Leopold, G.O.S.K., Commissioner for Health, Nicolas Volbert, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Libraries, Varok Ravina, and Commissioner for Family Welfare and Protection, Christiane Agathe.
The Rivière Coco CLAC a pioneer of the CLAC project in Rodrigues, served as starting point for an initiative that now includes six centers across the island.
In his speech, the Deputy Chief Commissioner paid tribute to the founders of the CLAC and to everyone who, over the past 25 years, has worked to sustain and develop this institution. He emphasized the importance of having enlightened and critically thinking Rodriguans, qualities that can be nurtured through reading.
For his part, Arts and Culture Commissioner, Varok Ravina described the CLAC in Rivière Coco as a “jewel” for the village and for Rodrigues. He noted that the center has allowed the residents of Rivière Coco and the surrounding villages to acquire knowledge and grow together. Cultural activities and books have not only enriched minds but also strengthened bonds of friendship within the community.
The Regional Government, through the Commission for Arts, Culture, and Libraries, is committed to continuing its investment by providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to encourage public reading and stimulate cultural awakening.