Arvin Boolell: "Education is a Key Lever to Empower Fishermen's Children"

A total of 67 scholarships have been awarded to the children of registered fishermen in Mauritius and Rodrigues who have obtained their Primary School Achievement Certificate (Normal and Extended Stream), Post National Certificate of Education, School Certificate (SC), Higher School Certificate (HSC), as well as their vocational studies diploma.

In this context, an awards ceremony was organized by the Fishermen Welfare Fund (FWF) on January 31, 2026, at the Mauritius Maritime Training Academy in Pointe Aux Sables. The event was attended by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Dr. Arvin Boolell, as well as the Minister of Gender Equality and Social Protection, Ms. Arianne Navarre-Marie.

Also present were Delegated Ministers Fabrice David and Kugan Parapen, along with the European Union Ambassador to Mauritius, Oskar Benedikt.

The scholarship program was launched in 1991 by the government with the aim of providing financial assistance to the children of fishermen to continue their education. Approximately 168 scholarships are awarded each year to fishermen's children.

In his speech, Dr. Arvin Boolell emphasized that the granting of scholarships is part of the government’s commitment to democratizing access to education and empowering those who need financial support. He highlighted the importance of the fishing community as an essential pillar of the blue economy and acknowledged its significant contribution to the country’s economic development.

He also pointed out various support measures implemented for the welfare of fishermen and their families, including financial assistance for damaged boats, aid for distressed families, winter allowances, and a computer program, reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainably developing the blue economy.