St Mary’s West College: 25 Years of Inclusive and Humanity-Centered Education

St Mary’s West College celebrated its 25th anniversary at a ceremony held on March 17, with a call for more inclusive education focused on human development.

Present at the event, the Bishop of Port Louis, Mgr Jean Michaël Durhône, praised the institution, describing it as "prophetic". He noted that since its inception, the college has chosen to welcome students with diverse profiles and abilities, breaking away from an elitist view of Catholic education.

Originally established in Bambous before moving to Petite-Rivière, the institution has built its educational project around human relationships, kindness, and respect. The Bishop emphasized the central role of the educational community in this development, beyond just the infrastructure.

In his speech, he also pointed out the limitations of the current educational system, suggesting that the difficulties faced by some students reflect structural flaws. He specifically highlighted the failure rates in the School Certificate exams, calling for a reevaluation of learning methods and student support.

Mgr Durhône advocated for an educational approach that values multiple intelligences and the overall development of individuals, beyond just academic performance. He also mentioned the social challenges schools face, such as family issues and exposure to drugs.

Looking to the future, the college aims to continue its commitment to inclusive education by strengthening ties with other institutions and placing greater emphasis on technical, sports, and artistic pathways.

After a quarter of a century, St Mary’s West College stands as a model of education aimed at supporting each student according to their pace and abilities, within a framework of inclusion and social transformation.