The Minister of Education, Leela Devi Dookun Luchoomun, has unveiled the final requirements for schools to qualify for financial assistance in the pre-primary education sector.
The government initiative aims to provide free pre-primary education from January next year.
Currently, 625 out of 775 schools have adopted this new system, benefiting 18,500 children.
The deadline for eligible schools to register has been extended until October 16.
Eligibility criteria include registration with the Early Childhood Care and Education Authority (ECCEA), having a full-time manager, and catering to a minimum of 10 children aged three and up.
The annual Operational Grant varies based on the number of enrolled students, reaching a maximum of Rs 650,000 for schools with 176 students and above.
The student-to-teacher ratio has been reduced, with an assistant supporting the teacher. Teachers already in service with experience and holding an Early Childhood certificate will be reclassified.
They will need to enroll in the Mauritius Institute of Education and complete the Certificate in Preschool program.
Each school below 100 students will have a designated manager, while those with more than 100 students will also have an assistant manager.
Additionally, the school attendant-to-child ratio will be 1 to 50. Teachers, their assistants, managers, assistant managers, and school attendants will receive monthly compensation from the government, provided that personnel rights are adhered to.
Around 100 pre-primary schools will receive additional funds for rental expenses. Pre-primary schools that do not adopt the new system will continue to receive a grant of Rs 400 per student.
Source: Le Mauricien
