Not A Number

• Prisoner Rehabilitation & Reintegration Programme:

Our dedicated team provides a ‘through-the-gates’ reintegration support service in prison and community. Over time, our focus has evolved to provide more holistic support to a wider reach of participants, with a sustained follow up after release. Such integrated support is a much-needed response to high recidivism rates and a historically punitive approach to imprisonment.

A period in prison should not mean a life of exclusion and stigma. It is vital to create an environment that cultivates opportunities for change and supports people in becoming more aware of their challenges, their thinking, and their actions, and begin the task of building a stable and positive life upon release.

• Prevention programmes with youth:

At Not A Number, we believe deeply in the immense potential that exists inside each person, and it is essential for young people to become aware of their innate ability. With this in mind, since 2019, we have been providing an annual career exploration programme for young children from various parts of the island and recently in Rodrigues as well!

This programme is thoughtfully designed with workshops, outings and activities, to provide children immersive opportunities to learn more about different worlds of work, to meet people doing all sorts of interesting jobs and to experience these different work environments first hand.

Our aim is to create as many inspiring moments as possible, to expand horizons, and of course to have fun! With the support of our amazing partners and collaborators, we aim to inspire our next generation of amazing doers, thinkers and creators!

• Capacity Building:

The NGO undertakes a range of capacity building initiatives contributing to the strengthening of the Mauritian criminal justice sector as well as civil society more broadly. Whether through targeted training programs, interactive workshops, or events, these efforts focus on enhancing the practical skills and knowledge of key stakeholders, including NGO's, correctional staff, legal practitioners, students, and members of community-based organisations.

These initiatives foster cross-sector collaboration, encourage dialogue on systemic reform, and equip participants with practical tools to improve justice delivery through evidence-based approaches. Areas of focus have so far included prisoner resettlement, criminogenic factors, case management process, crime and youth, safeguarding, and professional boundaries (in CJS sector).

Not A Number was founded in 2017 as a direct response to the high re-offending and re-imprisonment rates in Mauritius, noting the limited support available to detainees. Since then, the NGO has focused on developing an evidence-based and holistic response to the causes of reoffending, facilitating personal and social support, facilitating treatment and recovery, and promoting opportunities for change.

Between 2020 and 2025, the NGO’s reintegration efforts have evolved from a limited vocational skills training and employability-focused programme to a full-fledged reintegration support service, actively supporting more than 100 people each year, with post-release follow up all over the island.

The NGO is present during Tuesdays to Thursdays at Petit Verger Prison and Richelieu Open Prison, where we provide individualised support, group work programmes, and access to recognised vocational training opportunities.

During 2025, a Relapse Prevention Programme has been added to our service, along with access to an AHPC-registered clinical psychologist where needed, to provide enhanced support for wellbeing and recovery.

• Promote Safety: Developing and delivering projects focused on crime prevention and resettlement.
• Foster Collaboration: Providing a platform that brings together various stakeholders involved in reducing crime through innovative events, training, and collaborative initiatives. This platform facilitates dialogue, debate, and the pursuit of best practices.
• Drive Innovation: Creating tools and resources to support more effective work within the criminal justice sector.

Vision:

•  A safe world with an optimal environment for human potential to flourish

Mission:

• To contribute to a safer society through empowerment and innovation.

Prisoner Rehabilitation & Reintegration Programmes:

Between 2020-2025:

• 470 prison-based workshops run
• 86 MITD qualifications facilitated  
• 293 individuals received through the gate case management support 
• 400+ participants 

Prevention:

Since 2019, more than 500 children in Mauritius and Rodrigues have participated in our career exploration activities, with the amazing support of Mauritius Wildlife Foundation, Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, Ebony Forest, Mauritius Police Helicopter Squadron, Casela, Odysseo, National Coast Guard and MCB Football Academy. Renovation of Petit Verger Prison Visitor Centre

During 2024/25, in collaboration with supporters and volunteers, Not A Number completed a significant renovation of the Visitor Centre at Petit Verger Prison. Visits from family members and close connections are an important aspect of wellbeing for detainees, and maintaining and promoting these connections play a vital part in supporting efforts at rehabilitation and reintegration. The structure was fully repainted, blinds installed, and a beautiful “Kids’ Corner” has been created for younger children. An outdoor seating area has been constructed with added shading to shelter from the sunny conditions. Numerous plants have been added to green the space and provide a more pleasant setting.

• NSIF (National Social Inclusion Foundation)
• Corporate Support
• Individual donations