The eqUIP programme has acted as a launchpad for more than 200 young people from across the Commonwealth to embark on a range of careers in sport. Many alumni now work in International Sport Federations or National Governing Bodies, with some returning to the programme as mentors to help coach the next generation of young people in sport.  

19 interns will start their careers in sport in roles as varied as working in sport operations to HR. Their internships will eventually culminate in supporting preparations with their CGAs and athletes for the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games.  

Ezera Tshabangu, Regional Development Manager for Africa and Europe, Commonwealth Sport, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be involved again with the eqUIP programme. The interns’ drive and enthusiasm to learn encourages me to continue sharing my expertise and experience in sport, the opportunities available through Commonwealth Sport, and global sport as a whole.  

“I am looking forward to working with interns, their supervisors/mentors and CGAs in the coming months.” 

Aarti Gulrajani, Secretary General for CGA Mauritius, said: “We are delighted that Mauritius has been selected to host the eqUIP workshop and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the interns and their supervisors to our island.  

“Hosting this programme provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase Mauritius as a destination for Commonwealth Sport meetings, workshops and events, while creating a meaningful platform for young people from across the Commonwealth to connect, learn and develop together. This aligns closely with our strategic objective of strengthening Mauritius’ role as a host for international sporting activities and creating greater opportunities for engagement within the Commonwealth sporting family.” 

Across the Commonwealth, there are 1.6 billion people under the age of 30, making up 60% of the population. The eqUIP Programme aims to offer Commonwealth youth an educational and skills-development work experience that empowers them as young leaders to become self-reliant.  

The programme has been running since September 2014 in Africa and Europe, expanding to Asia in 2020, before the Americas and the Caribbean joined in 2021. By 2022, Oceania had also joined the initiative, meaning all Commonwealth regions are now represented. The programme has since expanded to include Games Organising Company opportunities. 

The week will include professional skills workshops, teambuilding activities and cultural exchange events to celebrate the young people of the Commonwealth and help them prepare for their internship. This year's interns will be onboard for 14-months, extended from 12 months, to ensure CGAs have support in preparation for the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games. A cultural evening will also be hosted, showcase each participating country’s cultural heritage through storytelling, music, food and dance. 

The focus of the internships will range from IT and communications to finance and procurement, programmes (athlete support and community outreach), and mental health.  

The workshops will ensure interns and their supervisors are equipped with the relevant knowledge and background to navigate the internship. Some of the focus areas will be understanding Commonwealth Sport, the roles and responsibilities of CGAs, the global sports landscape and stakeholder analysis. Most importantly, interns will leave the workshop with their draft workplan for the 14 months of the internship.