Isabelle David: Architect of a more colourful and joyful community

Isabelle David Philippe, a 33-year old woman, is a strong advocate of gender equality, LGBT rights and Children’s rights. Her uniqueness lies in her people-centered in preventing violence and substance use among children. Isabelle’s strength and support system are her husband and her child.

Isabelle, who was once employed as a teacher, now devotes her time in crafting a better society through community work. Working as a teacher in an institution restricted her as she had to fit within an already established structure. She left her teaching positon to become an educator in an NGO and is now the Director of a social enterprise and Non-Profit company, DRIP.

DRIP stands for “Développement, Rassemblement, Information, Prévention”, that is, “Development, Unity, Information and Prevention”. The protection of the rights of children and the development of the community are the core objectives of this organization. As a leader, Isabelle believes in the equal participation of all the members of the organization. She tries to empower the members and encourage them in pursuing the goals of the organization.

She is endeavouring to build a society which is not plagued by social ills such as substance use among children and violence. Her goal is to promote and enforce children’s rights to a decent life, to freedom of expression and to an inclusive education through advocacy, awareness campaigns, capacity building and training. She believes in an inclusive education which adapts to the needs of all children. Isabelle has collaborated with Kolektif Drwa Zanfan Morisien (KDZM) in the preparation of the Children’s Bill. She is also a strong opponent to child marriage.

Through the help of her strong team, Isabelle has been able to set up of more than 10 children’s and parent’s club across Mauritius, thus offering a platform to children where they can express themselves through various means, such as drawings. Drawings not only allow her to understand the psyche of the children and target children who are victims of violence but also serve as an important way to educate children and distill values. She is also working with parents to raise awareness on issues such as sex education and on the prevention of drugs and alcohol. She has also been directly working with women to boost their self-esteem and bring them out of their cocoon.

Isabelle’s main goal is to spread joy in the community. Through music, she has been able to spread this joy in the community.  The power of music unites people on the same dance floor.  She has participated in SOFAP’s campaign Colour for Change, where she did not only seek to bring colours in the physical landscape of suburbs but also in the lives of people.