the Comprehensive Sexuality Education, he will state where matters stand as to the implementation thereof in…
(No. B/1216) Mr J. Edouard (Fourth Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Education and Human Resource whether, in regard to the Comprehensive Sexuality Education, he will state where matters stand as to the implementation thereof in schools in mainland Mauritius and Rodrigues Island, respectively, indicating whether the issue of the shortage of dedicated staff to teach same is being addressed.
Madam Speaker, I am informed that elements of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) are already embedded within the primary and secondary curriculum frameworks in both Mauritius and Rodrigues. Mauritius is also signatory to the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Commitment, which reaffirms our obligation to provide comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents and young people. At the primary level, components of sexuality education are integrated into the health and physical education syllabus for Grades 5 and 6, with further aspects covered on the life skills education. These initiatives aim at promoting balanced development, healthy attitudes and responsible citizenship among pupils. At the secondary school level, a programme on social and emotional well-being, also referred to as Éducation à l’affectivité et à la sexualité, is being implemented since 2018 for Grade 7 and has subsequently been extended to Grades 8 and 9. The programme addresses themes such as identity, body image, gender roles, sexual development, reproductive health, relationships and intimacy. I am also being informed that, since 2017, more than 500 Educators have been trained by SeDEC for the effective delivery of EAS Programme. Training for Educators of secondary schools is an ongoing process. To support effective classroom implementation, pedagogical materials such as teacher manuals and student manuals, Mystère à la Vie, have been made available for Grade 7 and Grade 8 since 2019. I wish to reassure the hon. Member that the same curriculum and support
68 materials applicable in mainland Mauritius are also extended to Rodrigues, and implementation follow the same structure at both primary and secondary schools. Madam Speaker, there is no shortage of dedicated staff as CSE is delivered across the curriculum rather than by a single specialised cadre. Educators teaching health and physical education, biology, integrated science, life skills and related subjects already cover components of sexuality education. As I have already stated, continuous training is being provided to educators, and my Ministry is addressing any gap through capacity building initiatives, refresher sessions and the inclusion of CSE content in pre-service teacher training to ensure the availability of trained personnel. Madam Speaker, my Ministry remains firmly committed to strengthening Comprehensive Sexuality Education in all schools in the Republic of Mauritius in line with our national and international commitments. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister. Yes, hon. Edouard!
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, hon. Minister. Can the hon. Minister inform the House how many among these 500 teachers who have been trained are from Rodrigues?
I don’t have the exact figure how many are for Rodrigues. I may give you the figure afterwards.
From or for?
From!
From!
Out of the 500, he wants how many are from Rodrigues.
From Rodrigues, yes! Okay, next question, Mr Lukeeram. HSC 2024 – ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS – BENEFICIARIES