<B>THE</B> government has not yet reached a consensus on the computation of oriental languages for the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE). The minister of Education, Steeve Obeegadoo, is studying the proposals of the Platform for the computation of oriental languages at CPE without injustice. The latter comprises catholic priests and social workers.

The government has proved interested in one of the proposals outlined in a position paper. The platform suggests the computing of three compulsory subjects (English, French and Mathematics) and a fourth one from Histo-ry/Geography, science and oriental languages. This would give everybody a chance to catch up a failure in a subject.

The system introduced by the government for this year includes five subjects. A CPE student may sit in six subjects but only the five best will be used for grading. However, parents, and educational associations, fear that oriental language candidates will be advantaged with one more chance of getting good overall results. They are thus proposing a new formula aimed at eliminating this feeling of injustice.

The platform points out that it wants every Mauritian child to have the same chances. It is not against the computation of oriental languages. They just want a solution for those 38% of children who do not study an oriental language.

As far as the Education minister is concerned, it seems he is more relaxed on the issue. Although he has kept his stand on the computation of oriental languages for grading, he seems nevertheless keen on finding a way of erasing this ?perception of injustice.? He has said he is open to any discussion or debate in this context and is thus meeting the various organisations that have taken a stand on the issue to find a reasonable solution for all.

<B>A solution in the making</B>

The prime minister, Paul Bérenger, met the representatives of the platform last week. He does not consider the perception of injustice justified and does not really see why some children should be frustrated by the system. He nevertheless made it clear that the government was working hard to find a solution aimed at satisfying everyone and added that this should soon emerge.

This may prove more difficult than expected. Finding a satisfying solution for all in this conflict would sound like a miracle. Though some may feel that a consensus is near, reactions have been lukewarm.

The buoyant trade unionist, Sutthydeo Tengur, is against the adoption of another formula. He believes it is too late to introduce any new system this year. Exams are imminent. In his opinion, the present system can be considered as a law as Education Regulations have been amended. As far as he is concerned, the only alternative to oriental languages is another language.

The spokesperson of the Common Front for oriental languages, Rajnarain Gutty, agrees with the trade unionist: ?Time must be given to study these new proposals. We have reasserted our wish to see the government keep the formula already announced and adopted for the computation of oriental languages.?

They both declared nevertheless that they are open to discussions to find a solution that satisfies everybody. Moreover, they find the formulas proposed by the platform very ?interesting?. But they want to take time and think about it with a clear head. They request a national debate before a final decision is taken.

The other proposals made by the platform in its position paper are also under study : One, with which government has already expressed its disagreement, is the idea of separating History and geography into two distinct subjects.

The platform has also proposed that parents should before the exams fill in a form stating the five subjects they choose to be used for admission to secondary schools. Creative Art has also been put forward as an alternative to oriental languages.

The platform is convinced that the government has everything in hand to propose an alternative for children who do not take an oriental language. The minister of Education is consulting the State Law Office on all these issues. He also met the Common Front for oriental languages yesterday and has promised to announce a decision on Friday. Will it be the end... of the saga?