A two-day dissemination workshop to mark the ‘Journées Nationales de l’Innovation Pédagogique’, opened, this morning, in presence of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun at the Hennessy Park Hotel, Ebène.
Organised by the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology in collaboration with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) in the context of the « APPRENDRE » Programme: Support for the Professionalisation of Teaching Practices and the Development of Resources, the objective of this dissemination workshop is to summarise the ideas and recommendations issued during the previous training workshops.
The representative of AUF in Mauritius, Mrs Jayantee Gukhool, the Coordinator of the APPRENDRE programme – AUF, Mr Jérôme Bertheau, and other personalities were also present for the occasion.
In her keynote address, the Vice-Prime Minister expresse
d her gratitude to AUF and AFD for their technical and financial support for the implementation of the learning programme in Mauritius and pointed out that the completion of all the activities of the annual work plan. ‘This plan’, she underlined, ‘has been specifically developed to meet the major concerns of primary and secondary education in Mauritius.’
Speaking about the « APPRENDRE » Programme, Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun highlighted that it aims to train teachers in order to strengthen their ability and to encourage teamwork but above all enhance the ability to meet the specific scientific needs of students. ‘In total, 11 training workshops have been organised, covering various essential subjects such as inclusive classes, digital technologies, validation, as well as teaching mathematics and science’, she emphasised.
Furthermore, she stated that the goal is to see how the tools developed and the skills acquired will allow to implement inclusive pedagogical practices in all schools. ‘I am convinced that this le
arning programme will act as a powerful tool to enhance the effectiveness of our educational system’, said the Minister. She also highlighted that the educational system must evolve to address the multiple challenges of society, preparing students not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop essential skills for navigating a rapidly changing world.
As for Mr Bertheau, he noted that Mauritius presents a unique context with teaching conducted in both English and French. Outlining the annual work plan of Mauritius, he described it as exemplary, with significant activities aligned to the priorities of the educational policy. He further indicated that the 11 workshops conducted have stressed the importance of community practices in schools and the integration of new teaching technologies.
For her part, Mrs Gukhool mentioned that since May the integrated space at AUF Mauritius in Réduit has been activated, offering various services such as training and coaching for university students to develop skills in jo
b searching and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the national status of the entrepreneurial student has been introduced in university establishments, reflecting the commitment to enhancing youth employability. She, moreover, highlighted that the Centre d’employabilité francophone (CEF) is providing services in employment tutoring, soft skills training, and entrepreneurship support. She recalled that the programme’s implementation has been noted as exemplary in the region.
It is recalled that APPRENDRE is a programme financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and in 2022, the Experts’ coordination team travelled to Mauritius to ensure that the actions proposed by APPRENDRE are in line with the Government’s priorities. By working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the programme targets managers of national departments and institutions in charge of formal education and lifelong learning of teachers.
Source: Governm
ent of Mauritius