Those who passed through Caudan Waterfront on Thursday or Friday must have noticed the very special atmosphere there. Pupils from the 16 centres of the Adolescent Non-Formal Education Network (Anfen) were present to show their artworks to the public. They were also able to show off their dancing and singing talents at lunchtime. "Two extraordinary days they will never forget," says Anfen secretary, Bernard d?Argent.

The objective of this exhibition at Caudan Waterfront was to help the students improve their self-image. These youngsters who have been excluded from the educational mainstream because of several failures at the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) exams were given the opportunity of showing their work and proving that they too have something to offer to society.

?The educational system in Mauritius is not adapted to everyone?s needs and can leave some pupils out on the streets. It does not cater for all children, especially not for slow-learners?, comments Bernard d?Argent. Anfen has been set up to make them benefit from a system of education that starts everything from scratch and goes at their own pace.

But the network also wants to develop other talents in these children and this is why such events as the one held at Caudan are so important. ?They were able to show the public what they are capable of. If those present became aware of their talents, then some progress has been made. We can dream of a system where all the different needs of pupils would be catered for,? says the secretary of Anfen.