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Chrysalide

Chrysalide Centre is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Mauritius, dedicated to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of women facing substance abuse, addiction, and extreme social vulnerability. Founded on the principle of dignity and empowerment, Chrysalide remains one of the few centers in the region providing a gender-specific, holistic approach to recovery.

 

Our Approach:

We understand that the path to recovery for women is unique, often intertwined with issues of domestic violence, trauma, and family responsibilities. Our residential program offers a safe, nurturing, and drug-free environment where women can heal physically, emotionally, and mentally.

 

  • Residential Rehabilitation: A structured program focusing on detoxification support, psychological counseling, and therapy. 
  • Life Skills & Vocational Training: Equipping residents with practical skills—such as literacy, handicraft, and financial management—to ensure sustainable independence.
  • Social Reintegration: Working closely with families and employers to facilitate a smooth transition back into the community after treatment.
  • Health and Well-being: Providing medical follow-up, nutrition education, and spiritual support to promote a healthy lifestyle.
  • Post-Residential Follow-up: Ongoing support for former residents to prevent relapse and encourage long-term stability.

At Chrysalide, we believe that every woman, regardless of her past, has the potential for transformation. Like the butterfly emerging from its cocoon—the symbol from which we take our name—we guide our residents through their journey of change, helping them spread their wings toward a brighter, autonomous future


Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion: NCSRF/2017/0024

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President
Stellio Prefumo
Person in Charge
Meydesy Sophie
Services offered

A Holistic Approach to Recovery Chrysalide provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to the specific needs of women and their loved ones, focusing on rehabilitation, empowerment, and prevention.

 

1. Services for Residents (Rehabilitation & Empowerment)

Our residential program provides a safe and structured environment for deep personal transformation: 

  • Therapeutic Support: Individual counseling and group therapy sessions to address the root causes of addiction (trauma, violence, self-esteem).
  • Medical and Psychological Monitoring: Collaboration with healthcare professionals to ensure safe detoxification and rigorous mental health follow-up.
  • Life Skills Workshops: Training on emotional management, conflict resolution, healthy living, and financial literacy. 
  • Vocational Training and Literacy: Functional literacy classes and practical workshops (crafts, cooking, etc.) to prepare for re-employment. 
  • Reintegration Support: Personalized guidance for job searching and housing placement following the residential stay.

 

2. Services for Families (Mediation & Support)

We believe that a woman's healing is closely tied to the restoration of family bonds: 

  • Family Mediation: Supervised sessions to rebuild communication between the resident and her relatives (children, parents, partners). 
  • Support Groups for Relatives: A safe space for families to understand the disease of addiction and learn how to better support their loved one in recovery. 
  • Parenting Workshops: Specific support for mothers to help them reconstruct their role and responsibilities toward their children. 
  • Post-Residential Follow-up: Home-based support to ensure the family environment remains conducive to maintaining sobriety.

 

3. Prevention and Awareness (Community Outreach)

Chrysalide is actively committed to the fight against social scourges in Mauritius:

  • Community Awareness Programs: Interventions in neighborhoods, social centers, and schools to provide information on the dangers of drugs and HIV/AIDS.
  • Gender-Specific Approach: Campaigns targeted at the unique vulnerabilities women face regarding addiction and social stigma.
  • Advocacy: Collaboration with authorities and other NGOs to improve policies for the care of women in precarious situations. 
  • Educational Partnerships: Hosting interns and researchers to share our specialized expertise in female-centered rehabilitation approaches.
History
  • Two Decades of Transformation (2004–Present)

The story of Chrysalide Centre began in 2004, born from a critical observation: while services for drug addiction existed in Mauritius, there was a profound lack of specialized, gender-specific support for women. Established to fill this gap, Chrysalide was founded as a non-governmental organization (NGO) to offer a sanctuary where women could heal, grow, and rebuild their lives in a safe environment.

 

 

  • The Foundation (2004–2010)

Upon opening its doors in 2004, Chrysalide initially focused on providing a residential rehabilitation program for women struggling with substance abuse. The early years were dedicated to developing a "holistic" model. The founders recognized that recovery required more than just detoxification; it required addressing the underlying traumas—such as domestic violence, social exclusion, and poverty—that often accompany addiction.

 

  • Growth and Consolidation (2011–2017)

As the drug landscape in Mauritius evolved, so did Chrysalide’s approach. The centre expanded its programs to include vocational training, literacy, and family mediation. Recognizing that a woman's recovery is deeply linked to her role within the family, Chrysalide began integrating family support and parenting workshops into its core mission. During this period, the organization solidified its reputation as a pioneer in gender-sensitive treatment in the Indian Ocean region.

 

  • Innovation and Empowerment (2018–2023)

In recent years, Chrysalide has focused on the long-term social reintegration of its residents. We introduced "After-Care" programs to prevent relapse and support women as they re-enter the workforce. Our name—Chrysalide—has become a powerful symbol of the "Butterfly Effect": the idea that providing a supportive "cocoon" allows a woman to undergo a radical transformation, eventually emerging to lead a life of independence and dignity. Chrysalide Today Today, more than 20 years after its inception, Chrysalide continues to be a beacon of hope. We have successfully helped hundreds of women transitions from the shadows of addiction to the light of a new beginning. As we look toward the future, our commitment remains unshakable: to ensure that no woman has to face the journey of recovery alone. Since 2004, Chrysalide has proven that with compassion and the right tools, every woman has the power to change her destiny.

Objectives
  • Holistic Rehabilitation: To provide a comprehensive residential program including medical, psychological, and social support tailored specifically to the needs of women.
  • Social Reintegration: To facilitate the successful transition of residents back into society through vocational training, family mediation, and post-residential follow-up.
  • Prevention and Awareness: To conduct community outreach programs to sensitize the public about the dangers of drug abuse and the specific vulnerabilities faced by women.
  • Empowerment: To equip women with essential life skills, promoting self-esteem, financial literacy, and personal autonomy.
  • Advocacy: To advocate for the rights and dignity of women in recovery, working towards the reduction of stigma and the improvement of national policies related to addiction.

 

Vision:

To be a leading rehabilitation center that empowers women to break free from the cycles of addiction and social exclusion, fostering a society where every woman has the opportunity to rebuild a dignified, healthy, and independent life.

 

Mission:

Our mission is to provide holistic support, rehabilitation, and social reintegration services for women suffering from substance abuse and related social issues. Through a gender-specific approach, we offer a safe environment, professional counseling, and life-skills training to help our residents reclaim their place in society as empowered and resilient individuals.

Main achievements

Lives Transformed At Chrysalide, we measure our success not just by the numbers, but by the lasting transformation in the lives of the women we serve. Our greatest achievement is witnessing our former residents successfully reintegrate into society and lead fulfilling, addiction-free lives.

There is no greater pride for our team than seeing these women:

  • Rebuilding Family Bonds: Reconnecting with their children and spouses, and restoring stability within their homes. 
  • Achieving Independence: Holding steady jobs, managing their own households, and becoming positive role models in their communities.
  • Breaking the Cycle: Moving from a state of total dependence to one of complete autonomy and resilience.

These "success stories" are the living proof that recovery is possible. Seeing a mother reclaim her role and a woman rediscover her dignity is the ultimate reward for our 20 years of dedication.

Sources of funding

NSIF