Expert Voices: Understanding the Challenges of Education
In honor of World Teachers' Day, two prominent figures in the Mauritian education sector share their thoughts on the fundamental role of teachers and the increasing challenges they face.
Dr. Varma discusses a “collective pact”
Educator, sociologist, and former director of the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), Dr. Om Nath Varma has spent his life contemplating the role of the teacher. For him, everything begins with a meeting. “What we are today is because at some point we crossed paths with the right person. The teacher is undoubtedly the most influential actor in our life journey,” he asserts.
But the landscape has changed. Today’s children are not like those of yesterday. “The world is evolving, and with it, students' behaviors. Screens and media shape how they learn. Information travels quickly, sometimes too quickly. This creates new challenges, especially at the primary level,” he notes.
In the face of this transformation, schools are no longer on the front line alone. Competition now comes from smartphones and tablets. Dr. Varma is not looking for scapegoats but emphasizes collective responsibility. “We cannot halt progress, but we must reinvent parental roles. Isn’t it the parents’ duty to regulate a child's screen time, for instance?” he recalls nostalgically the 1990s: “It was easier to teach. Children would chat at the start of class, but after a few words, they would settle down. Today, we must innovate and define new parameters. Education is not just about school: it’s a pact between parents, teachers, students, and management.”
What also worries him is the lack of commitment beyond classroom hours. “Mauritius may be the only country where teachers arrive five minutes before class and leave right after. Elsewhere, teachers stay: they review the day, prepare for tomorrow, and engage with colleagues. This environment, this availability, makes a difference. The student feels it, and that’s how they learn.”
Valuing those who shape tomorrow
On World Teachers' Day, Mauritian unions highlight the significant challenges of the profession. This year, two voices from the union world stand out: Yugeshwur Kisto, president of the Government Secondary School Teachers’ Union (GSSTU), and Vishal Baujeet, president of the Government Teachers’ Union (GTU), who stress the urgency of valuing teachers both personally and professionally.
The GSSTU dedicates an entire day to reflecting on two crucial issues: teachers’ mental health and the improvement of their professional status. “We will discuss stress management, work organization, and the prevention of burnout,” explains Yugeshwur Kisto. But this day goes further: it will open the debate on working conditions, pay, benefits, career progression, and teachers' workload.
The GSSTU president emphasizes the need to strengthen the resources available to them: ongoing training, teaching resources, and appropriate equipment are essential to ensure quality education. “This collective reflection will allow us to propose concrete actions, both at the union level and with educational authorities, to sustainably improve our profession and restore the recognition that teachers deserve,” he states.
This day will also be a moment of meeting and solidarity. “Sharing our experiences strengthens our cohesion and our ability to meet the profession’s challenges,” concludes Yugeshwur Kisto.
For his part, Vishal Baujeet reminds us that World Teachers' Day celebrates the contributions of those who dedicate their lives to education. “Even if the results of their work are not always immediately visible, teachers plant the seeds of knowledge every day that will nourish a lifetime,” he emphasizes. For him, the future of Mauritius is built in classrooms, where teachers are the pillars of the education system.
In the face of many challenges, it is crucial for all education stakeholders to unite to ensure teachers decent work, fair pay, and rewarding working conditions. “They must be recognized, supported, and valued,” insists Vishal Baujeet. The GTU reaffirms its commitment to defending their rights and contributing to their personal and professional development. “On this special day, we thank all teachers for their dedication. Thanks to them, the future is built, day by day,” he highlights.
Mila Dosieah announces the introduction of an AI module starting January 2026
Beginning January 2026, all future teachers trained at the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) will have a mandatory module dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). A first for Mauritius, this illustrates the desire to adapt schooling to technological transformations.
For Mila Dosieah, director of the MIE, AI is not a threat but an opportunity. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to enrich learning, for both students and teachers,” she asserts. The idea? To train teachers according to their level, equipping them to create interactive content and thoughtfully integrate AI into their lessons.
She acknowledges the commitment of teachers, whom she describes as “remarkable.” “They wear many hats: educators, psychologists, supporters. They spend an enormous amount of time with their students and face challenges that often exceed the classroom.”
At the heart of the MIE project is a clear mission: to support and equip teachers. “We do not want students to find themselves in failure. That’s why we focus on mentoring, practical internships, and tailored training that meets each individual's needs, whether a novice or experienced teacher.”
She emphasizes the importance of inclusive education: “No student should be left behind, whether they have a disability or learning difficulties. Expectations are evolving, and our programs must adjust accordingly.”
And to those who are still hesitant to embrace a teaching career, Mila Dosieah sends a heartfelt message: “It’s a noble profession that must be practiced with passion. All children are our children. Supporting them is offering them the best chances of success.”
Education statistics in Mauritius
According to the latest data from the Statistics Office, Mauritius has:
- 1,893 teachers at the preschool level
- 4,583 teachers in primary
- 1,193 teachers for Asian languages, Arabic, and Mauritian Creole
- 8,986 teachers in secondary education.