Known for its stunning beaches and diverse marine life, Mauritius is a very popular tourist destination. However, besides a booming tourism industry, the beautiful island has also made significant progress in developing its education system and has prioritized the goal of providing quality education to its population.
After the country became independent in 1968, it embarked on an educational journey, aiming to ensure universal access to education for all children. The country has made efforts to expand access to higher education and has invested in several universities and tertiary institutions. Over the years, the Mauritian government has even implemented several initiatives to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs with the aim of equipping youngsters with practical skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the job market.
Despite its commitment to continuously enhance its educational system and become a knowledge hub for higher education in the African region, Mauritius has often been plagued by a plethora of educational scandals and controversies. These scandals have dealt a severe blow to Mauritius’ prospects of achieving an ideal educational system, rendering all its efforts to enhance the education system futile.
However, it’s important to know the identities of the culprits involved, understand the nature of their actions, examine the actions taken against them, and consider future measures to prevent such scandals from recurring.
Bullying Cases
In recent times, a very disturbing trend has emerged within primary and secondary schools where bullying has become prevalent and shockingly, half of these bullies would shamelessly boast about their involvement in such violent and aggressive practices. For instance, multiple incidents of bullying have been reported in schools throughout Mauritius, including notable occurrences at Mahatma Gandhi Secondary School (MGSS) in New France and John Kennedy College (JKC).
According to a statement given by Yash Bujun, the former Head Boy of the Royal College of Port-Louis (RCPL), “The school bullies tend to frighten the students by intimidating them or by harassing them morally.” For example, a case of bullying was reported in the MGSS of New France where a student had to fill out a “Form 58” at the hospital twice due to physical assault. “Once I was kicked in the stomach,” he said, adding, “Another time they tried to push me off a moving bus.”
Other scenarios may include senior students asking junior students for money or stealing and damaging their brand-new phones.
While school was traditionally considered a sanctuary where children would gather and experience a sense of belonging, it has unfortunately become a place where students are stripped of their worth and dignity.
The pressing question that arises is why these students are resorting to terrorizing their peers and what measures are being taken to effectively tackle and resolve this problem.
Ally Yearoo, president of the Education Officers’ Union, once explained that the influence of peers plays a significant role in prompting students to harass their fellow classmates. Another perspective suggests that bullying can be attributed to poor family backgrounds.
The solution? Many individuals hold the opinion that the Mauritian education system should adopt a more holistic approach and student monitoring must be introduced.
Unethical and Incompetent Rectors
Bullying is not the sole impediment to the education system of Mauritius ascending the ladder of success; unethical and incompetent rectors who neglect their duties and responsibilities also contribute to the challenges faced.
For instance, a few weeks ago, the drama unfolded with a demonstration at the Hindu Girls College. Classes were interrupted and a significant number of girls assembled, voicing their discontent and frustration while urging for the immediate resignation of the rector due to concerns of unprofessional behavior and ethical misconduct.
Here’s what happened:
The chain of events was set in motion by a series of incidents that occurred a few days ago at the Jan Palach station in Curepipe. As several girls disembarked from a bus, they were subjected to an attack by other college students who not only assaulted them but also engaged in inappropriate touching. According to the girls’ testimonies, they fell victim to the unwelcome advances of certain boys. Promptly, they filed a complaint at the Curepipe police station, seeking justice for the assault. However, they also approached the rector of their school in hopes of receiving support, assistance, and an appeal for further police intervention. Shockingly, their rector’s response was disheartening as she callously remarked, “Even if someone rape you, it is necessary to be mentally prepared.”
The rector’s heartless response, coupled with her refusal to take responsibility for the well-being of the girls under her management, sparked anger and frustration among the students. The demonstration was even posted on social media, where you could hear the girls shouting: “We want justice!”
Surprisingly, the college remained silent and took no decisive action against the rector or implemented measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, rumors began to circulate among a few girls, revealing insider information about the school’s attempts to appease the affected individuals through organized outings, in a bid to contain the situation and avoid escalation.
Poor Hygiene
It’s a known fact that poor hygiene in schools has a domino effect and can affect a child’s education.
Despite being aware of such concerns, several educational institutions in Mauritius have found themselves at the heart of controversies stemming from inadequate hygiene practices. One such instance occurred at Mauritius College, located in Curepipe, where students themselves accused the institution of poor toilet hygiene.
Several other cases of poor hygiene were reported in schools like Jean Marie Frank Richard State Secondary School (SSS) at La Tour Koenig, Quatre-Bornes SSS and Notre Dame College, where bedbugs had infested the institutions. An Audit Report even mentioned termite, rat and pigeon infestations in educational institutions.
Although the ministry asserted that the situation is under control, there has been no conclusive confirmation as to whether the hygiene of these schools has been effectively restored.
So, what do you think of these incidents and scandals? What kind of actions do you think should be taken against bullies? What do you believe would have been an appropriate course of action for the college to take in response to the students’ demand for the resignation of the rector? And, what can be done to promote good hygiene in schools?
Please don’t hesitate to share your opinions in the comment section below!
