Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Foundation Program in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills was introduced in January 2025 in grade 7, 8 and 9 to replace the former Extended Programme which was not adapted to the needs of those students who did not pass their PSAC examination. From 2022 to 2024, around 7,419 students who had enrolled in the Extended Programme exited the education system with neither a PSAC nor a NCE certificate. Allow me to provide the House with a few figures related to the performance of our students in Rodrigues – • in 2022, only 3 out 167; • in 2023, only 21 out of 204, and • in 2024, only 7 out of 209 extended stream students who had enrolled for the NCE exam, passed it. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, thus, out of the 580 students who took the NCE exam in Rodrigues, only 31 were successful. This new foundation programme is offered to those students who have not obtained their PSAC at the National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 1. It offers a blend of academic knowledge and vocational skills that will ensure the progression of students to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system stream. Henceforth, all students completing the Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills in 2025 will be awarded a Foundation Certificate which will be pitched at the NQF Level 2. This certificate will enable the students to enrol in a Specialised National Certificate Level 3 courses at the MITD training centres. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that two workshops were conducted this year, for this training of around 169 educators in Rodrigues during the month of January and May 2025 respectively. In addition, meetings and discussions were also held with around 30 Rectors, Deputy Rectors, Senior Educators for the Foundation Program in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills Development. Work sessions were also held with the Departmental Head, Commission of Education and other stakeholders in Rodrigues. A third workshop, focusing on elective subjects, is scheduled for the third week of August 2025 and will be conducted by the lecturers from the MIE.

73 With regard to part (b), I am informed that both the MIE and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute have developed full sets of curriculum content for all subjects, including electives. The curriculum has been divided into three clusters, namely – (i) Functional literacy and numeracy; (ii) Life skills and values, and (iii) Trade and livelihood skills. These materials are available on the MIE website and educators in Rodrigues have already been trained on how to access and use them effectively. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has also released funds through the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) with each school in Rodrigues receiving a sum of Rs15,000 to print and distribute materials to students. A second disbursement will be made in August 2025. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards part (c), I am informed that as at now, there are approximately 141 students in grade 9 and 163 students in grade 9+ in Rodrigues. These students are expected to begin their training at MITD centres as from 2026. Thank you.

Thank you. Yes, the hon. Fourth Member for Port Louis.

Il n’est pas là ! Il n’est pas là!

He is not here.

Cela a été transféré au PM.

Okay, it has been transferred to the Prime Minister. KITE SURFING – LICENSING & SUPERVISION REQUIREMENT