By Simi Khooblall, past president of the Rotary Club of Rose-Belle, Mauritius
During my botany studies in Pune, India, many years ago, I developed a deep interest in how sensory experiences can influence human development – especially for individuals with disabilities. I was fascinated by the idea that human senses are not just ways of perceiving the world but also powerful tools for learning, healing, and connecting. This curiosity stayed with me long after I left the university benches.
Years later, as president of the Rotary Club of Rose Belle (Mauritius) and subsequently immediate past president, I was given the opportunity to lead a community service initiative in the southern region of the island of Mauritius. That opportunity took the shape of a dream project: the development of a sensory garden in the village of Ferney, a location of serene natural beauty surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills. It was the perfect place for a project that would marry the wonders of nature with the needs of children with disabilities.
What is a sensory garden?
A sensory garden is a thoughtfully designed space that stimulates the five senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell – through a combination of plants, textures, water features, pathways, musical elements, and interactive installations. It is not merely a garden to admire, but a space to experience. For children with disabilities, especially those with sensory processing challenges, autism, or limited mobility, such a garden becomes a therapeutic playground. It helps improve focus, reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and foster a connection with nature in a safe and inclusive environment.
With the encouragement of our club members and the support of the wider community, we embarked on this ambitious yet meaningful journey. We were fortunate to secure a generous district grant, which was supplemented by voluntary contributions from our dedicated members. It was a heartwarming demonstration of Rotary spirit: Service Above Self in its most tangible form.
Our slogan for the project was “A sanctuary of nature, designed to awaken the senses and inspire the soul.” A proud milestone was the official opening on 19 February by District 9220 Governor Marie Françoise Randriamanga, in the presence of our club president, Chintu Sarrop, and other local leaders and friends of Rotary. It was a moment of joy and validation – not only for our club but for the children and families who would benefit from the garden for years to come.
Today, the Sensory Garden at Ferney is proudly managed by the Special Education Needs Resource Centre (SENRC). It has become a source of pride for the local community, with Members of Parliament and even the Minister expressing their admiration and support for the project. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, compassion, and collaboration come together.
Whenever I visit the garden, I’m reminded why I fell in love with the science of life – biology, biodiversity, and the quiet brilliance of nature. That passion began years ago, often encouraged by my late beloved brother Sanjay, who took great pride in seeing me in my white college lab uniform, looking closely over my microscope, exploring life’s hidden wonders. His belief in me still echoes in moments like these, where the sensory garden stands as both a tribute to nature’s healing power and to those who inspired me along the way.
Simi Khooblall holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a master’s degree in Environmental Science and a bachelor’s in Education. She is passionate about the preservation of the green environment and its biodiversity and has been very active in various environment projects at the community level.
https://blog.rotary.org/2025/08/21/sensory-garden-a-therapeutic-playground-in-mauritius/