Support for Chagossians: how to get UK government support
The UK government funds some projects as part of its commitment to support Chagossians wherever they live. This page explains how you can access this support.
If you have any general questions about how to access support for Chagossians or if you are interested in bidding for funding for your organisation, contact BIOTFCDO@fcdo.gov.uk.
Support for individuals
British Council Mauritius: English language training
British Council Mauritius provides free English language courses and examinations for Chagossians living in Mauritius. This training is available to Chagossian adults and children of all ages and abilities.
Applications are currently being accepted.
You can register online for English courses with the British Council. For more information about courses and examinations, contact general.enquiries@mu.britishcouncil.org.
Citizens Advice in West Sussex: advocacy and support
Citizens Advice in West Sussex provides advocacy and support for Chagossians and their families through a dedicated specialist case worker and community liaison officer.
For more information email jason.mather@westsussexcab.org.uk.
Crawley Community Youth Service: music sessions
Crawley Community Youth Service in Crawley, UK, provides free sessions for young Chagossians to develop, perform, and showcase their musical skills.
Find out more on the website: Crawley Community Youth Service or email info@ccys.org.uk.
Crawley Town Community Foundation: free football sessions
Crawley Town Community Foundation provides free weekly football sessions for young adults (18 to 25 years old) in the Chagossian community.
For more information email mattcalver@crawleytownfc.com.
Middlesex University Mauritius: scholarships for Chagossians
The Middlesex University Mauritius scholarship (or bursary) scheme provides:
- full fee waivers for undergraduate and post-graduate courses
- free university accommodation
- a contribution toward living costs
These are available for an initial period of 1 year to qualifying Chagossians studying at Middlesex University’s campus in Mauritius.
Find out more about Eugenie Iyapah’s experience of studying at Middlesex University Mauritius through a scholarship.
The scholarship scheme is open to all Chagossians. If you are not a Mauritian citizen, you can apply, but you will need to:
- pay for your own travel costs to Mauritius
- obtain a student visa from the Mauritian government
To register your interest for a scholarship or for more information, contact v.ramchandar@mdx.ac.mu. You can also find out more about the scholarship scheme from the Middlesex University Mauritius website.
UK ENIC: recognition of non-UK qualifications
The UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills (UK ENIC) provides free ‘Statements of Comparability’ to Chagossians. Statements of Comparability help ensure your non-UK qualifications, from courses that are at least 300 hours long, are recognised by UK employers and educational establishments.
The scheme is open to all Chagossians, and applications are currently being accepted.
To apply to get your qualifications recognised or for more information, contact fcdo@ecctis.com.
West Sussex County Council: educational support for children
West Sussex County Council’s dedicated Bilingual Liaison Officer provides support to Chagossian children and their families to improve their educational achievement and engagement in schooling.
For more information email: emat@westsussex.gov.uk.
Support for organisations
Crawley Community Action: capacity-building support
Crawley Community Action (CCA) is providing support and advice to existing and emerging Chagossian groups based in Crawley or another part of Sussex, UK. It aims to help build their capacity to support Chagossians.
For more information visit the Crawley Community Action website or email karl.parks@crawleycommunityaction.org.
Sussex Community Foundation, The Chagossian Fund: grants for non-profit organisations
The Chagossian Fund provides grants to not-for-profit organisations supporting Chagossian people living in Crawley and other parts of Sussex.
It is open to applications from not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community organisations, and social enterprises. It is not open to applications from individuals.
Applications are currently being accepted.
Organisations should submit grant applications online or contact grants@sussexgiving.org.uk for more information. You can also find out more about The Chagossian Fund on the Sussex Community Foundation website.
The RPD Foundation: financial advice
The RPD Foundation advises and supports charities and other not-for-profit organisations on financial, strategy, and governance issues, to help them to grow.
For more information, or to arrange an initial assessment, email daran@rpdfoundation.co.uk
Last updated 3 April 2024 + show all updates
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New information added for support from Citizens Advice in West Sussex, Crawley Town Community Foundation, and West Sussex County Council
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New information on financial advice available to organisations from the RPD Foundation.
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Updated to remove projects that are no longer available.
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Added information on 4 more places to get support in Crawley.
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New information about English-language courses from the British Council Mauritius.
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First published.