The management of Saint Bartholomew's College in Port-Louis, Mauritius, is seeking a last chance to keep the school open. Bijaye Kumar Chukowry, the college's manager, has requested a two-year moratorium to allow the institution to regain a sufficient number of students and continue its operations. The college is currently slated for closure in 2027, along with Royal Holloway College in Montagne-Blanche.
The college has a 49-year history, and Chukowry has expressed his commitment to the institution, stating that it is not a business for him, but a vocation. When he purchased the school, it had only 79 students, but it grew to nearly 500 students over the years. The college obtained recognition in 2005, allowing it to accommodate students up to the Higher School Certificate level.
Chukowry disputes the government's criteria for subsidizing private colleges, which requires a minimum of 150 students. He argues that the declining population of school-age children in Mauritius makes it difficult for some institutions to meet this threshold. The manager proposes revising this criterion and allowing the college to continue operating until it can regain its student base.
The college has made significant investments in infrastructure, including a library and computer lab, some of which were funded by Chukowry's personal funds. He claims that he and his family have contributed to the college's operations during difficult periods. The institution has also been involved in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The potential closure of Saint Bartholomew's College is part of a larger trend in Mauritius, where several private colleges have closed in recent years due to declining student numbers. A total of eight colleges have been affected in the past three years, including Alpha College, which is set to close in January. The government is expected to save at least Rs 1 million per month in subsidies by closing these institutions.
If the moratorium is granted, Chukowry is confident that the college can meet the required student numbers within two years. He has appealed to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Education Minister Mahend Gungapersad to consider his proposal. The college's staff and students are also likely to be affected by the potential closure.
The outcome of Saint Bartholomew's College's appeal remains uncertain, but Chukowry remains hopeful that the institution can be saved. The college's closure would not only affect its students but also the broader education sector in Mauritius.
Key points
- Saint Bartholomew's College seeks a two-year moratorium to stay open.
- The college disputes the government's criteria of a minimum of 150 students.
- The potential closure is part of a larger trend of private college closures in Mauritius.
