Corruption is an old disease. It has disastrous effects not only on the individual but also on the economy and society as a whole. It may be compared to a cancer, which has to be controlled at all costs; otherwise it will spread dangerously and may threaten the very fabric of our democratic nation. The battle against corruption can be summarized as fighting corrupt individuals, corrupt practices and corrupt systems.

The impact of corruption is manifold. Besides the heavy damage done to society and the economy, the gradual erosion of social values like honesty, equity, respect and justice makes it more difficult for us to fight illegal, immoral and unethical practices. There is thus an urgent need to re-establish such values in our society. In this context, the role of education is of paramount importance. Teachers have the vital duty of leading and moulding the personality of students in such a way that the latter become law-abiding citizens.

Raising awareness among educators on the evils of corruption will no doubt have a positive multiplier effect not only on children but on the community at large. So it is very important that awareness about corruption among educators be increased. Good governance in education and professional ethics among teachers should be promoted. Measures to empower teachers so that they participate actively in the fight against corruption should be taken. The inclusion of anti-corruption education in the school curriculum should be seriously considered.

Teaching being such a noble profession, the functions of a teacher also comprise: the transmission of information and values to prevent students from engaging in corruption; he can also act as a role model with a high sense of moral values for others to emulate and social agent to help fight the evils of corruption.

Teachers can help in many ways in the national fight against corruption by:

? Transmitting moral values such as honesty, integrity, justice, fairness, responsibility, etc. to keep students away from malpractices;

? Setting the right examples to children;

? Helping children develop a culture of intolerance towards corruption;

? Using education as a preventive force to deter students from engaging in wrongful acts

? Forming the ethical conscience of citizens to help them assume their civic responsibilities

? Adopting sound working practices

? Reporting cases of corruption

Everyone must reckon the significant role teachers can play in combating all social evils, including corrupt practices. Moreover, teachers have an essential role in the transmission and promotion of social and human values to build a clean and fair Mauritius. Many educators work with children in their formative years. This represents an ideal platform from which to inculcate and reinforce positive anti-corruption values.

Teachers as builders of the nation can contribute enormously towards a corrupt-free Mauritian society, where children could proudly say: ?Mauritius ? Our home, clean and fair?.

Avinash S. RAMCHARAN</B>