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Small Island Challenges in Educational Reforms: The Case of Mauritius
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Soonil
D. Rughooputh, Professor |
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Faculty of Science, University
of Mauritius |
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Abstract |
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Educational reform is a
dynamic process that continues to haunt small island developments.
After the two bold steps taken recently in Mauritius, namely
regionalization and the abolition of ranking at CPE level, there
now seems to be a pause - except for continued construction of
schools. Whilst these developments seemed to be welcomed
by the population in general, it has raised a number of serious
concerns. A number of important issues have cropped up
such as the no provision for elites in our educational system,
time-consuming student recruitment exercises at Standard I and
Form I, the unacceptable rates of failure at CPE, the place of
science/IT, the unequal access opportunities. Most of these
have remained so far unanswered probably because it may be difficult
for us to seek for remedial solutions to these challenging issues
with the existing system. Yet, tangible and innovative solutions
do exist to our emerging educational problems provided there
are some adjustments to the existing system. This paper
deals with ways to enhance the current education framework that
has been now set on a regional focus. A rotating cluster system
is proposed as a solution to the above challenges. The
demarcation of the regions, on the basis of the student population
in the regions targeted, proximity of the schools, and the transport
network, is carried out using GIS. Benefits include equal access
opportunities, less traffic problems, optimisation of resources,
specialized schools, justified construction of schools, and reintroduction
of competition. |
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Reversing the Decline - Smallness and Human Capital in Mauritius
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Sheila Bunwaree, Associate
Professor |
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Faculty of Social Studies
and Humanities, University of Mauritius |
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Abstract |
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Mauritius has for a
long time used its ‘smallness’ as a tool of economic
diplomacy. It has used the argument that it is small and
vulnerable to obtain a number of preferential arrangements
on the international market. The latter coupled with a visionary
strategy of economic diversification and a ‘human
faced’ structural adjustment programme have contributed
to make Mauritius a beacon of economic development in the
region. But this beacon is now beginning to experience a
painful economic decline and the country’s ‘smallness’ may
no longer be sufficient at the negotiating table of the WTO. |
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The most important resource
of the small island state is its human capital but the latter
continues to remain inadequately trained. The paper undertakes
an analysis of the most recent educational reforms including
the Education Amendment Bill of 2004 which makes education
compulsory up to the age of 16. This Act is however, in contradiction
with the Labour Act which allows children of the age of 15
to join the labour market. The paper argues that the quantification
of schools will not be sufficient to solve the major problem
of wastage of Mauritian human capital. Instead of a profound
review of educational context and teacher training is required. |
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Most macro economic
indicators are in the red. Unemployment figures have already
reached double digit figures. The country is witnessing a
growth of an informal sector. The unregulated nature of the
latter and growing poverty in the small pluriethnic state
of Mauritius is analysed. Relative deprivation in small multiethnic
spaces can give new significance and meaning to identity
politics. The riots of February 1999 bear testimony to kinds
of social dislocations that the country can experience. |
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