Education: The Foundation Programme Refocuses on 28 State Colleges Starting in 2026

Education: The Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy, and Skills is undergoing a transformation. As of 2026, it will no longer be offered in 52 state colleges, but only in 28, distributed across four educational zones, as well as in other institutions, as is currently the case.

The Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy, and Skills (FPLNS) is currently provided in 52 state colleges, 74 private institutions, 5 Mahatma Gandhi State Secondary Schools, and 8 colleges in Rodrigues. Starting in 2026, only 28 state colleges will continue to offer this programme, covering the country's four educational zones. The Gandhian Basic School (GBS) is also expected to reopen its doors to accommodate 16 students across three classes.

According to the Programme Coordinator, Vijay Sookharee, efforts will focus on revising the curriculum, providing appropriate resources, and recruiting specialized teachers to ensure consistency in teaching between public and private schools. Together with his colleagues Priya Bissoondoyal and Dr. Ajay Ramful, Associate Professor and Head of Curriculum at the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), he emphasizes that challenges such as absenteeism, teacher engagement, and support from school leaders will be actively addressed by the FPLNS unit.

To better manage social issues, a system of "parental mediators" is expected to be implemented. Additionally, psychological and medical screenings are planned to identify students with special educational needs (SEN).

The FPLNS was introduced last January to replace the Extended Programme, which, according to officials, did not meet its objectives. This new three-year programme combines academic and vocational components, facilitating access to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathway. It emphasizes foundational skills in reading, calculation, and practical know-how, aiming to reduce the school dropout rate.

The programme is based on a competency approach, with personalized learning objectives. For this first evaluation, students are assessed continuously according to three performance levels: Basic, Intermediate, or Proficient.

At the end of the programme, students will receive the National Foundation Certificate of Education (NFCE), recognized by the Mauritius Qualifications Authority and issued by the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES). To obtain this certificate, students must maintain a certain attendance rate and achieve at least an Intermediate level in one subject from Cluster 1, one from Cluster 2, and one from Cluster 3.

The curriculum includes:

• Cluster 1 – Functional Literacy and Numeracy: Strengthening essential skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic for daily life and academic success.
• Cluster 2 – Life Skills and Values: Developing social, emotional, and cultural skills, responsible citizenship, and personal well-being.
• Cluster 3 – Trade and Livelihood Skills: Introduction to technical and vocational skills aligned with practical trades and career pathways.

Holders of the NFCE can subsequently enroll in specialized courses at the National Certificate (NC3) level at the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) or directly enter the workforce. Those who do not obtain the certificate can pursue NC2 courses at MITD.

The MIE has developed and validated the syllabi in collaboration with teachers from public and private colleges. Educational materials have been created for 23 subjects, including student worksheets and teacher guides, made available on the MIE website and distributed to schools.

The technical committee of the FPLNS, in partnership with the MIE, has organized training sessions for teachers, administrators, and principals. Monitoring mechanisms have been established in all colleges to ensure effective implementation.

Number of Students in 2025