A concerning trend has emerged in Mauritius' education system, where out of 16,967 pupils who began Grade 1 in 2012, only 5,794 presented themselves for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 2023. This significant attrition rate raises questions about the factors contributing to students dropping out of the education system. The initial cohort consisted of 8,683 boys and 8,284 girls, which shifted to 15,199 candidates for the Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC) and 13,095 for the School Certificate (SC) by 2023.
The HSC level comprised 3,277 girls and 2,517 boys, indicating a notable gender disparity. At the SC level, girls formed the majority with 7,135 candidates compared to 5,960 boys. Experts caution that these numbers do not measure exact losses within a single cohort, as some students may transition to technical or vocational training. Sociologist Dr. Oomandra Nath Varma notes that the problem stems from a lack of continuous support, stating that students are often left to fend for themselves after the initial school doors are opened.
According to Dr. Varma, dropouts are typically preceded by multiplying absences, worsening results, fading interest, repeated failures, and peer pressure. Many students who struggle are quiet, obtain average marks, and slowly fade away, or simply do not see the utility of continuing. Additionally, linguistic hurdles play a significant role, as many children speak Kreol at home while being taught and tested in English and French. Undiagnosed learning difficulties in reading and arithmetic also contribute to the problem.
Edley Maurer, manager of the NGO Safire, emphasizes that affective deprivation, lack of framing, and weak parental support can push children to the margins of both the educational and social systems. Socio-economic precarity, poverty, family separations, or a death within the home create heavy domestic environments that can hinder a child's ability to continue their education. Dr. Varma and Maurer advocate for early intervention, including preschool structures, detection of reading and calculation hurdles, and renewed recognition for support teachers.
Alternative networks, such as the ANFEN network, offer crucial lifelines to students who have dropped out. ANFEN reports an 85 percent average success rate since 2022 in the National Certificate 1 Adult Literacy. Organizations like Atelier Technique de Rivière-Noire and the Foundation Programme provide holistic psychosocial and vocational support to students. These programs aim to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to re-enter the education system or join the workforce.
Individual student stories across these alternative structures reflect the transformative impact of tailored listening, practical workshops, and a second chance. Students like Romain, Naomi, Estrella, Nathanael, and Jade have benefited from these programs, discovering their talents and building autonomy to secure a future job. These stories highlight the importance of providing support and opportunities to students who may have otherwise been left behind.
The Mauritian government and NGOs must address the root causes of educational leakage and provide adequate support to students. By investing in early intervention, preschool structures, and alternative education programs, Mauritius can work towards reducing the attrition rate and ensuring that more students achieve their full potential.
Key points
- Only 5,794 out of 16,967 primary school entrants in 2012 achieved HSC level in 2023.
- Linguistic hurdles and socio-economic precarity contribute significantly to educational leakage in Mauritius.
- Alternative education programs offer crucial support to students who have dropped out, providing a second chance at achieving their goals.
