Members present at the press conference of the Federation of College Directors.
The Federation of Directors of Private Colleges (FOM) held a press conference yesterday at the BPS college in Beau-Bassin. Following the general elections on November 10, the federation expressed its concerns about the current state of education in Mauritius and the expectations of the new government.
Ramdass Ellayah, president of the FOM, did not mince his words in denouncing the previous management of the education sector. “Education is the backbone of our country, but we have had the worst Minister of Education and the worst director of PSEA since the creation of this institution,” he declared.
He recalled that in 2021, he had already sounded the alarm when the government reduced funds allocated to education, calling this decision a drift towards a dictatorship. According to him, with the announcement of the elections, the FOM had met several political leaders to highlight the challenges facing the education sector. “Everyone agreed to recognize the urgency of the situation, except Pravind Jugnauth, who did not even find the time to meet us. For him, everything was fine,” he said.
Ramdass Ellayah welcomed the initiative of Navin Ramgoolam, leader of the Change Alliance, who, despite a busy campaign schedule, took the time to meet him. “Two or three days before the elections, Dr Ramgoolam received us at 11 p.m. He is committed to solving the problems of the education system. he explained.
Dr Jimmy Harmon, member of the FOM and SeDEC, stressed that the meetings organized by the federation before the elections helped to raise parents’ awareness of educational issues. “These meetings clarified many aspects for parents, influencing their choice during the vote,” he declared. He also discussed the crucial role of the FOM in highlighting educational issues through the media. “The FOM is a force to be reckoned with,” he said with conviction.
Mike Phanjoo, vice-president of the FOM, interpreted the defeat of the former Minister of Education, Leela-Devi Dookun, as a direct sanction for her controversial management. “For 10 years, the FOM and parents have increased warnings about the deterioration of the education system, but in vain. The Extended Classes system is a total failure. Despite our protests, no corrective action was taken. The minister was simply not listening. he lamented. He also called for the departure of the PSEA director, whom he considers responsible for the current shortcomings. “Like the other resignations, he should have left his post as soon as the electoral results were announced. I call on the new government to promote better collaboration between private colleges and the State. he concluded.
With the victory of the Alliance for Change, the FOM hopes for profound reforms and increased listening to stakeholders in the education sector. The federation recalled that education, a fundamental pillar of society, requires transparent management, sustained investments and constructive dialogue between stakeholders.
