Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the context of our strategy to have an inclusive and value-based education while reckoning the specificity of Rodrigues, my Ministry is giving due consideration to promote the Rodriguan values and culture.

78 In fact, in the primary school textbooks of history and geography, Kreol Morisien, English and French of different grades, several topics on Rodrigues are covered. Moreover, my Ministry has already taken steps to ensure cultural relevance in the curriculum such as – (i) the teaching of Kreol Rodrige in primary schools in Rodrigues since 2020; (ii) the inclusion of Rodriguan stories and contexts in English, French and Kreol Rodrige curricula, and (iii) the coverage of Rodriguan history and geography in the respective curriculum. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, moreover, as the House is aware, my Ministry will hold the Assises de l’Éducation in April 2025, wherein the representatives of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly will also be invited to participate. As hon. François, Second Member for Rodrigues, has informed the House on 04 March 2025, Rodrigues is seeking an educational reform and model that align and adapt with its socioeconomic realities. All the proposals of the stakeholders, including Rodrigues, will be taken onboard and the outcome of the Assises de l’Éducation will pave the way forward for a review of the present educational system and the formulation of new policy direction as from the year 2026, including the review of the curriculum. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I will soon set up the National Curriculum Advisory Board, which will, inter alia, advise my Ministry on a national policy for the development of the school curriculum with regard to the overall economic, social and cultural context of the country, including Rodrigues. Besides, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry will also set up the National Education Council in order to, inter alia, review the implementation of plans, policies, strategies, programmes and projects for the provision of education in Rodrigues. A representative from the Rodrigues and Outer Islands Division will also be nominated on the Council in order to take onboard the proposals of the stakeholders in Rodrigues. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to reassure the House that we envision to further integrate elements of Rodriguan history, culture, tradition and values in the school curriculum in Rodrigues. We would welcome any proposal from the Rodrigues Regional Assembly in this regard such as the revisited curriculum meets the needs and aspirations of the people of Rodrigues. Thank you.

Hon. Member, do you have any questions?

79

If you will allow me, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. With the coming Assises, may I ask the hon. Minister whether participative approach consultations have been or will be held with all stakeholders in Rodrigues, not only the Regional Assembly, with all stakeholders in Rodrigues, and if so, when?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is being planned that prior to les Assises in Mauritius, which will be held on 15, 16 and 17 April, a delegation from the Ministry of Education will go to Rodrigues and sit down with those involved in that, listen to them, so that that participation, that input is discussed during les Assises de l’Éducation.

Okay, the First Member for Rodrigues! ACCESS TO JUSTICE – LEGAL AID