Mauritius Teachers' Day: 'Train Citizens, Not Just Top Students'

On the occasion of Teachers' Day, Mauritian educator Dinash Roy Bundhoo has issued a call to action — urging the country to move beyond simply celebrating teachers and to seriously rethink how they are trained and supported in a rapidly changing world. "Education is the key to success that opens all doors," Bundhoo said, but he was quick to point out that the profession faces pressures far beyond what traditional teacher training prepares educators for. **More Than a Teacher — A Second Parent** Bundhoo argues that the role of a teacher in Mauritius today extends well beyond delivering lessons. "The teacher does not only play the role of a professor, but also that of a parent," he said, stressing that educators must be equipped to support students through a wide range of personal and social difficulties. His point is grounded in the daily reality of the classroom. "In a class of 30 students, there are 30 different problems," he observed — a reminder that behind every student is a unique set of circumstances that a teacher must navigate with patience and skill. **The Big Challenges: AI and Social Issues** Among the key challenges Bundhoo highlights, two stand out: artificial intelligence and growing social problems affecting young people. As digital tools become increasingly embedded in Mauritian schools, teachers are expected to adapt — often without sufficient preparation or resources. He argues that both initial teacher training (what educators learn before entering the classroom) and continuous professional development (ongoing training throughout their careers) must be fundamentally redesigned to reflect these new realities. **Defending the Profession** Bundhoo also pushed back against a common criticism directed at teachers in Mauritius — that they enjoy too many school holidays. Teaching, he emphasised, is a demanding profession requiring constant preparation, follow-up, and emotional investment that is not always visible to the public. He acknowledged the ongoing digital transformation of Mauritius's education system, pointing to the gradual integration of technology in schools as a positive step forward — but one that also requires teachers to continuously upskill. **What This Means** Mauritius has long placed enormous value on academic achievement — the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) systems have historically defined student success by exam results and scholarship rankings, producing what locals call "laureates." Bundhoo's message challenges this culture, arguing that the true measure of education should be the formation of well-rounded, resilient citizens — not just high scorers. For parents, students, and policymakers, his words raise important questions about whether teacher training institutions and the Ministry of Education are keeping pace with the demands of a 21st-century classroom. Source: ION News