The government?s new formula for the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) has at last been accepted by all parties. The best four out of five or six subjects taken for the exams will be computed for grading purposes and will bear equal weight. The common front for the computation of oriental languages was the only stakeholder, which had expressed reservations. It has since decided to support the government?s formula.

Actually, there was a controversy within the front itself. The decision now is that ?the formula is acceptable though not ideal.? The president of the government Urdu teachers? union, Haniff Peerun, is still convinced that oriental languages will suffer from this system and that it will even lower the whole education level. However, he has decided to show solidarity with the front.

The surprise, however, came from Sutthydeo Tengur. The president of the government Hindi teachers? union seems happy with this government decision. He even declared: ?We could not hope for a better proposal.? But this could not have been otherwise, as the strongest defendant of oriental languages cannot complain now that oriental languages have been given equal weight in the curriculum. His position has influenced the final decision of the common front.

The new formula means that all candidates must sit in at least five subjects, English, French, Mathematics, Science and History/Geography, the sixth subject being an oriental language. Pupils must pass in English, French and Mathematics with an overall average of 35% to obtain the certificate. Oriental languages will be considered on the same footing as other subjects.

There seems, however, to be a misunderstanding concerning the importance given to the subjects. The Prime Minister, Paul Bérenger, made it clear that all subjects will have equal treatment and weight in the curriculum.

The previous system proposed the computation of five subjects out of six but it was considered unfair by many parents and socio-cultural associations. As a result, the government had consultations with the different stakeholders and, particularly with two main platforms: the Common front for oriental languages and the Platform for the computation of oriental languages without injustice.

After considering their representations, the cabinet made a decision. The Prime minister maintains that this formula is ?unchallengeable in Court.? He highlighted that the proposal is from the government and that no particular platform or socio-cultural association has been involved in the decision. He is convinced of the fairness of this system.

The only opposition for the time being is from Labour party leader, Navin Ramgoolam, who maintains that oriental languages will die a slow death. The ministry of Education has remained impassive to these assertions. ?People express their opinion and that is their right.? It also wanted to reassure the public that the children will not suffer from this change as their timetables will remain exactly the same. According to the government as a whole, this system is the best one to satisfy the majority.

The platform for the computation of oriental languages without injustice agrees that this system is less unfair than the previous one. But it wants to make sure, through statistical evidence provided by the ministry?s technicians, that it will bring more equity in the CPE grading.

Father Hervé de St Pern, director of the Bureau of catholic education, told l?express that he finds that the new formula ? answers the objectives, that is the computation of oriental languages and a perception of justice for all.? He believes it is a ?worthwhile solution for the time being as it does not wrong anyone.? He nevertheless adds that it is probably a temporary formula and that a proposal must be made for the long term.

This formula, which has settled the most controversial issue of the past weeks, could be called a ?historical event?, as it has brought all stakeholders into agreement. Above all, it is the Mauritian child, who is the winner?

?The platform for the computation of oriental languages without injustice agrees that the new system is less unfair than the previous one.?