Dr. Mahend Gungapersad: “Students Called to keep phones in their bags.”

As the new school year of 2025 approaches, Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, the newly appointed Minister of Education, is keenly aware of the various challenges that lie ahead for the education sector. One significant change he plans to implement this year is the ban on mobile phones in classrooms.

In an interview, Dr. Gungapersad emphasized that the theme for this new academic year is “Education: A New Start, A New Hope.”

He acknowledged that the return to school brings several critical challenges.

“One of our top priorities is to ensure that all students have access to their textbooks and receive the necessary support from qualified teachers,” he explained.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing discipline issues within schools, asserting that it is essential to restore the school’s role as a central institution for imparting knowledge and values.

“It is not enough to deliver information; schools must also be places of respect, sharing, and personal growth,” Dr. Gungapersad added.

To this end, he plans to introduce more robust programs aimed at combatting violence, bullying, and substance abuse.

Teachers and non-teaching staff will receive training to act as role models in the moral and civic education of young people.

He believes that a healthy school environment is foundational for sustainable academic success.

Another critical area of focus for the education system’s evolution is the improvement of teaching practices.

The Minister stressed the need to reassess and innovate in pedagogical strategies.

This includes updating teaching methods to incorporate new technologies while ensuring that critical thinking and creativity are emphasized.

“Students need to learn to think independently, solve problems, and engage actively in their own learning,” he stated.

Dr. Gungapersad also expressed a strong commitment to revitalizing reading culture in Mauritius, noting a current deficit in reading habits among both youth and adults.

“It is vital to introduce students to reading from a young age and to create environments and opportunities where this practice can be nurtured,” he said.

His vision includes awareness campaigns, the establishment of reading clubs, and expanded access to school libraries.

He underlined that reading should not be perceived merely as a school task but as a source of enjoyment, discovery, and personal enrichment.

Addressing the challenges ahead, Dr. Gungapersad remains optimistic.

“I believe that through collaboration among all stakeholders—teachers, parents, students, and community partners—we can transform our education system to meet the expectations and needs of our modern society.”

A key component of his proposed changes is the ban on mobile phones in schools. He explained how this policy will be implemented, stating:

“Indeed, the prohibition of phones in schools is a priority for creating a more focused and productive learning environment. I am convinced that technology should serve education, not distract from it.”

He pointed out that improper use of mobile phones can disrupt students’ attention and encourage inappropriate behaviors, such as online bullying or access to harmful content.

This phone ban will not be enforced superficially.

Instead, it will involve a comprehensive awareness campaign targeting students, parents, and educators to explain the rationale behind the initiative.

“We aim to foster collaboration and good faith among all parties involved. This is not about punishment but about collective responsibility,” Dr. Gungapersad reiterated.

The objective is to enable students to concentrate fully on their studies during class hours, free from the distractions of their phones.

Clear guidelines will be established in consultation with schools and educational stakeholders.

Practically, students will be encouraged to keep their phones in their bags or in designated areas, such as lockers, during class time.

Provisions will be made for exceptional cases, such as students with medical needs or those facing urgent communication situations.

In conjunction with this ban, Dr. Gungapersad stressed the importance of enhancing the use of technology in education.

“We want schools to integrate digital tools in a structured manner when appropriate and pedagogically valuable.

Smartphones could be utilized for research projects or educational applications, always under the supervision and guidance of teachers.”

With these initiatives, Dr. Gungapersad aims to create an educational environment that fosters learning, respect, and personal growth, addressing the challenges while embracing new opportunities for students’ development.

Ensuring Parental Support and the Success of the Foundation Programme

In order to succeed, we are counting on parents to support this measure by explaining to their children the importance of limiting phone use outside of class as well.

This ban does not aim to make technology inaccessible, but rather to better control it so that it serves educational objectives in a healthy and productive manner.

The New Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills

The “Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills” is a brand-new initiative. How do you plan to ensure its success?

The “Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills” is a crucial initiative for student success, especially in a context where we need to ensure that all children, regardless of their level of entry to school, receive quality education.

The goal is to provide each student with a solid foundation in fundamental skills – mathematics, French, English, and science – before moving on to more advanced levels of education.

This is a preventive approach, aimed at avoiding academic failures downstream and allowing each student to progress at their own pace.

To ensure its success, several measures will be taken.

Continuous professional development programs will be implemented to help teachers adopt differentiated pedagogical methods tailored to each student.

Regular progress monitoring tools will be put in place, enabling the identification of specific needs and the adaptation of teaching.

Parents will be involved from the outset to follow their child’s progress, and regular meetings will be held to inform and support them.

The program will be regularly evaluated to ensure its effectiveness, and adjustments will be made based on feedback from teachers and results obtained.

Partnerships will be developed with local businesses and institutions to align education with the needs of the labor market.

Internships and workshops will be organized to expose students to real-world realities from a young age.

The success of this program will rely on the engagement of all stakeholders: students, teachers, parents, and educational authorities.

With rigorous follow-up and adequate resources, we aim to make the “Foundation Programme” a major lever for student academic success.

New Initiatives to Improve Education Quality

We will focus on continuous professional development for teachers to help them adopt innovative and adaptable pedagogical approaches.

This includes the integration of educational technologies, differentiated instruction, and classroom management skills.

Schools will benefit from updated textbooks and modern digital resources.

A digitalization program for educational content will provide teachers with access to various tools to enrich their courses.

With these initiatives, we aim to improve education quality, ensure student success, and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for a rapidly changing world.

Supporting Teachers in the New School Year

As we approach the new school year, our focus remains on supporting teachers, who are at the heart of our educational system.

It is crucial to provide them with the necessary resources to tackle the challenges ahead. Here are our priorities to support educators:

We will offer tailored continuous training programs that meet current needs.

These programs will equip teachers with the latest pedagogical approaches, digital tools, and classroom management strategies.

Additionally, we will introduce a psychological support program to help teachers manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

A mentorship system will also be established, allowing experienced teachers to guide younger colleagues or those facing difficulties.

This initiative will encourage the sharing of best practices and foster professional solidarity among staff.

Overall, our goal is to create a positive work environment where teachers feel supported, valued, and well-prepared to meet the challenges of the academic year.

Reducing Educational Inequality Across Schools

Addressing educational inequalities between schools is a critical priority for us.

Our plan includes focusing our efforts on schools located in disadvantaged areas.

We intend to increase resource allocation, improve infrastructure, and hire additional teachers for these institutions.

Ensuring equitable resource distribution, whether it be educational materials, human resources, technology, or infrastructure, is essential. Schools with fewer resources will receive additional support to bridge the gaps.

Furthermore, we will develop support programs for struggling students, including the use of Support Teachers, tutoring sessions, remedial classes, and individualized progress tracking.

To combat social inequalities, we will place particular emphasis on technical and vocational education so that all students, regardless of their background, can find paths to success.

We will also implement specialized training for teachers in less advantaged schools, enabling them to better meet the unique challenges and needs of their students.

Our objective is to ensure that all students, irrespective of their origin or socio-economic background, have access to quality and equitable education.

Ensuring Student Safety Against Bullying

Bullying is a serious issue that impacts not only the school environment but also the well-being and success of students.

To combat this problem and ensure student safety, we will implement several measures.

It is essential to raise awareness among students about the dangers of bullying, as well as the values of respect, tolerance, and solidarity.

Educational programs will be integrated into the school curriculum to teach young people the importance of coexisting peacefully and respecting differences.

Through these combined initiatives, we aim to create a supportive, equitable, and safe educational environment for all students.

Empowering Teachers and Building an Anti-Bullying Framework

Teachers will play a pivotal role in combating bullying within schools.

They will receive training to quickly identify signs of harassment and to intervene appropriately.

Continuous professional development will also equip educators with skills to manage classroom conflicts and foster a supportive school environment.

To ensure that adequate support systems are in place, I will make it a priority for the Health and Wellness team in my ministry to be actively engaged on the ground.

This team will be responsible for providing psychosocial support to students who are victims of bullying.

Additionally, we must also support the perpetrators of bullying, helping them to understand the underlying causes of their behavior and providing guidance for positive change.

Bullying behaviors often stem from learned habits or negative experiences at home, making it critical to implement rehabilitation programs for student offenders.

These programs will include awareness sessions, reflection on the motivations behind their actions, and workshops aimed at cultivating empathy and respect for others.

Parents play a fundamental role in preventing bullying.

It is essential for them to take greater responsibility for their children’s upbringing, instilling values of respect and tolerance from an early age.

We will enhance collaboration with parents, encouraging their active involvement in combating bullying and enabling them to respond swiftly when issues arise.

Clear and proportional disciplinary measures will be enforced in response to incidents of bullying to convey that such behavior is unacceptable and carries consequences.

However, our approach will not solely focus on punishment; we also aim to understand and address the root causes of these behaviors.

Integrating Technology into the Curriculum

There are two critical aspects: preparing our students to utilize new technologies in navigating future challenges and leveraging these technologies during inclement weather or exceptional circumstances.

One of our primary goals is to equip students with essential digital skills that are increasingly important in today’s world.

New technologies serve not only as educational tools but as gateways to careers that are constantly evolving.

We have already initiated several working sessions with ministry officials to develop an e-learning platform.

This platform will enable students to access a variety of educational resources, participate in online courses, and collaborate on digital projects.

It will be integrated into the school curriculum, ensuring that students become proficient with technology from an early age.

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances that disrupt in-person classes, the e-learning platform will be crucial in maintaining educational continuity.

Students will have the ability to attend classes online from home, engage in interactive sessions, and access educational content.

This approach will minimize disruptions caused by school closures and ensure ongoing education.

We are also in discussions with friendly countries to seek their expertise in effectively integrating technology into education.

These partnerships will provide valuable insights into best practices that can be adapted to our local context.

Simultaneously, I am closely collaborating with my colleague, the Minister of Information Technology, to ensure all necessary infrastructures are in place, particularly regarding internet connectivity and access to technological equipment in schools.

Integrating technology into the curriculum is essential for preparing our students for an increasingly digital world.

Through the e-learning platform and strategic partnerships, we aim to create a flexible, innovative learning environment while maintaining educational continuity, even in adverse weather conditions.

Enhancing Inclusive Education for Students with Special Needs

Inclusive education is a core priority to ensure that every student, regardless of their profile, has access to quality education.

We are firmly committed to promoting inclusive education. We will implement detection and personalized support structures for each student.

By providing specialized training for teachers, we will ensure that all students receive the tailored education they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

As Yves Duteil beautifully expressed, it is about “taking a child by the hand, leading them toward tomorrow, and instilling confidence in their steps.”

Source: Defi Media