Grooming in Schools: Training Parents and Teachers to Better Protect Children
In light of concerns raised by accusations against a teacher, education professionals have called for a collective mobilization during a broadcast on Radio Plus. Discussions centered around prevention, parental vigilance, and empowering victims to speak out.
Complaints against a teacher for inappropriate behavior towards children and teenagers have brought the issue to the forefront. On Wednesday, the show "Au Cœur de l’Info" gathered several education sector professionals to discuss a question many still prefer to avoid: how can we protect children and encourage them to speak out?
The term "grooming" shaped the debate. Educator and consultant Ritesh Poliah defined it as follows: "It is when an adult seeks to establish a relationship with a child or teenager with the intent of later abusing them." This insidious process is particularly dangerous because it is often invisible. Dr. Vedhiyen Moonsamy, Assistant Director of Health & Wellness at the Ministry of Education, confirmed this: "The perpetrator carefully builds trust with the victim. In some cases, there are no visible signs." However, sometimes signals do exist: isolation, declining academic performance, reluctance to attend school, or unexplained stomach or headaches.
The issue of victims' voices was central to the discussions. Arvind Bhojun, president of the UPSEE, emphasized a concerning observation: "Often, a victim encounters obstacles instead of finding solutions. Sometimes, they are even perceived as guilty when they are the victim." He reminded the audience that at this stage, these are only allegations, but stated that the handling of such cases remains inadequate, even in a Mauritian educational system that is otherwise cited as an example across Africa.
For Prisheela Motee, founder of the organization Raise Brave Girls, the solution starts with training, not just for students. "We train students, but it’s time to train parents and grandparents as well so they understand what is happening." Her organization provides a listening space for girls and women, aiming to translate their testimonies into concrete proposals submitted to authorities.
Institutionally, Dr. Moonsamy noted that the Mauritius Institute of Education's program includes prevention modules from pre-primary, particularly around the concept of "good touch." He assures that all reported cases are subject to careful follow-up.
However, one gap unanimously pointed out by the speakers is the long-awaited publication of the Blue Print from the April 2025 Education Forum. This document should specify concrete measures for the prevention and management of abuse.
Pavada Case: Bail Hearing Scheduled for Thursday
Frédéric Pavaday was returned to police custody yesterday following his appearance before the Curepipe court. Discussions regarding his bail application will resume this Thursday.
The hearing featured testimony from Virginie Bissessur, director of PedoStop, who was called to the stand by the representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Priscilla Veerabadrun. She clarified the emails received in the case, noting that the two victims who sent them are currently not in Mauritius. One is expected to arrive soon; the other will return thanks to a fundraising initiative organized by PedoStop to cover travel expenses. The goal is to allow authorities to obtain their statements as soon as possible.
Frédéric Pavaday was then questioned by his lawyers and the representative of the DPP, with discussions focusing on the guarantees offered by the defense and the prosecution's argument for preserving the integrity of the investigation.
Arrested on February 24 following a complaint from a former student of Loreto Junior School in Curepipe, aged 12, who alleges inappropriate touching and remarks, he faces four provisional charges.
