● You have played an active role in the workshop on Early Childhood Care and Education. Why were you invited?

As a senior fellow for UNICEF and the former Ombudsman for children in Norway, the idea was to see how we can move on with the issue of early childhood care and find other ways to move forward, as my experience taught me that we often tend to underestimate the importance of early childhood. It is an ongoing concern and must be seen as a challenge.

● From what you have seen during this workshop and your past visits, how would you describe early childhood care here? Is it given enough importance?

I believe there are good things happening in Mauritius. There is enormous commitment and I think resources are there and people are ready to take opportunities. Again, there needs to be that paradigm shift that will make people understand that what a child is living will remain with him/her for a lifetime ? good and bad experiences. This is why it is important to invest in the child through ECCE. It should not be the mere concern of Education or Women and Family welfare. I often met ministers of Finance for instance to discuss issues concerning children. Children should be a cross-responsibility shared by all ministries and one of the Prime minister?s main tasks. The respect of children?s rights should go through policy planning and finance ? a multi-political approach in fact.

● One main criticism in Mauritius is that the curriculum is too academic and that the child does not benefit from such a system. Are you aware of that?

Statistics may speak for themselves in Mauritius. 39.2% of primary kids are pushed out of the system (I do not like the term drop out because it might imply that the child is guilty and not the system). The system, as it is today, is one of control, divide and exams. It is very old-fashioned and not in line with children?s rights. These statistics should be like a big alarm clock, as they point to a waste of the most important resources of Mauritius. Only 20% of children go on to tertiary studies. The authorities have to be brave enough to look at the system and see what we can change to focus on new research that points at the evolving capacity of the child and adapts to his/her competences.

● Are you optimistic that the authorities concerned will take the appropriate decisions?

Caring for children is the response to the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world. If children are not properly taken care of, it will cost society much more in terms of crime, drugs and other negative consequences than to simply upgrade the education system at all levels. Giving appropriate attention and education to children is actually the best investment for a country; they are the agents for change. I met the minister of Education during my visit and I am sure that the ministry will succeed in implementing a new strategy that will put the child at the centre. He has given himself three years for that and there is no reason why he should fail.