April is a special month in the PMI calendar. Around the world, chapters take time to recognise the people whose energy, expertise and generosity quietly hold our community together — our volunteers. As PMI Global Volunteer Month drew to a close, PMI Mauritius gathered at the Maritim Hotel for an evening that felt less like a closing ceremony and more like the start of something new: the official kick-off of our 2026 volunteer journey.

A month of outreach, an evening of celebration

Throughout April, the Chapter ran a dedicated volunteer recruitment campaign, inviting our members to step forward, contribute their skills and become part of the team that drives PMI Mauritius. The response was wonderful — and tonight was our way of saying thank you. Over a cocktail dinner, our newest volunteers were welcomed with warmth, applause and the unmistakable buzz of a community ready to build together.

Setting the stage: the volunteer experience

The evening's first address was delivered by Sheelpa Gowreesunker, VP Volunteer, who set the tone with sincerity and clarity. She thanked every volunteer for raising their hand and walked the room through what volunteering at PMI truly means — the responsibilities, the rhythm of chapter life, and most importantly, the opportunities. From skill-building and leadership exposure to networking with practitioners across industries, volunteering at PMI is as much a personal journey as it is a contribution to the profession.

Sheelpa also gave the new recruits a guided tour of the Chapter's structure, outlining the different VP portfolios and the responsibilities each one carries. For many in the room, it was the moment where the abstract idea of "getting involved" came into sharp focus — with concrete teams, concrete missions, and a clear sense of where their talents could land.

A warm welcome from the President

Shoayb Peerbocus, Chapter President, then took the floor to officially welcome the team. His message was one of gratitude and ambition. He expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm in the room and shared a glimpse of what lies ahead for the Chapter — including the coaching and mentoring sessions being planned for our members, and the broader programmes through which volunteers will play a defining role.

His invitation was simple and powerful: together, we can do more. More for our members, more for the profession, and more for the project management community in Mauritius.

Conversations that mattered

What followed was, in many ways, the heart of the evening. The VPs spread out across the room, each taking different tables, so that every new volunteer had the chance to meet, ask, share and connect. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant — full of laughter, ideas, questions, and that particular kind of optimism that comes from a room of people who want to build something together.

It was the kind of evening that reminds you why volunteering matters in the first place. Behind every successful initiative the Chapter delivers — every event, every certification drive, every community programme — there are people who chose to give their time. Tonight, we welcomed the next wave of those people.

The journey starts now

To every volunteer who joined us tonight: thank you, and welcome. You have stepped into a community that values your time, your perspective and your contribution. The months ahead will bring opportunities to learn, to lead, to mentor and to be mentored. We can't wait to see what we will build, together.

PMI Global Volunteer Month may be ending — but for PMI Mauritius, the volunteer journey is just getting started.

If you missed the recruitment window and would still like to volunteer with PMI Mauritius, reach out to us through our website. There is always room for one more good hand on the team and many ways to contribute to the advancement of the chapter.