<B>Ajay Guness, Opposition MP </B>

?I began my primary education at Osman Peerun Government School in Médine Camp de Masque. Coincidently, a few years ago, I was invited to the inauguration of the school following its renovation, along with my good friend Steeve Obeegadoo. In fact, the school had to be renewed as it was such in a ruined state. But, this did not take away for nothing the fact that it was a school where I had a wonderful time.

I left Osman Peerun Govt. School to go to Mauritius College for my secondary education. Actually I took part in ?Petite Bourse? exams. But, to be honest, both of my parents were not well educated. As a result after having taken the examination, they did not even bother to check whether I had passed or not. It is quite possible that I succeeded. As a result, I took part in an entrance examination at Mauritius College, and got accepted.

I must emphasize that I joined the college at a time when the likes of Vela Bannamoodee and Jay Sonoo (one of the four directors of State Bank of Mauritius) were there. Both, together with some friends and myself were involved in the students? strike of 1975. During all the time I spent there, I was lucky to get to know several great characters with great personalities. To illustrate my point, I will talk about the then rector of the college, former politician Jaynarain Roy. I admired him for the articles he wrote in newspapers but especially for the way he managed the school. Indeed, he inculcated great discipline within the college during his time there, using his firm personality. Then among the staff, there were Mr. Teewaree and Mr. Mhaudhun. who really were tremendous.

Before selecting the teachers I would call ?best?, I would like to pay a vibrant tribute to all the teachers who played a great role in making me the man I am today. They all had their hearts set on making us succeed in life.

Just six months before I left the college, there were two new and young teachers who came to teach accounts as well. I was their pupil only for 6 months. However, it was more than enough for me to notice how great they were. Their youth helped them to mingle easily with the students, which was nice to see. They were Mr. Ramdudhee and Mr. Naiken.

But the one whom I will certainly never forget is Hassen Carmally, who taught me accounts. He was the one who made me fall in love with the subject. As a consequence I have become an accounts teacher. His class was so interesting that, even if someone was not interested with the subject, he would still enjoy his class. Today when I stand in front of my students, I have the feeling of reincarnating Hassen Carmally. I still remember the examples he used to give us to illustrate things, and today I still use them to teach by putting them in the present context. Hassen Carmally was very friendly with us. Obviously, he was authoritative at times. But he knew how to blend both attitudes to make himself a teacher that anyone would dream to have. Furthermore, he knew how to make himself respected.

I was also taking private tuition with Hassen Carmally. One must never forget that when I say private; it means I was on my own. That was his way of giving private tuition, unlike nowadays. It would enhance a better interaction between student and teacher. In addition to this, I must add that he was always welcoming students? questions, and consequently was very receptive to them.

For me a good teacher has to be a role model. He must be intelligent of course. He must be friendly to make the kid feel at ease. But, more importantly, he must be a good communicator as he is the one who transmits a lot of information, therefore knowledge, to the kid.

Another teacher whom I will never forget was my French teacher. When I was a student, teachers used to hit the students. He was one of those who used to do so. He would tell a student to go and pick a ?nice? stick near the river that was passing by behind our school. By nice, he meant one which would hurt. I was a victim of his method. But what still amazes me, is regarding the parents. Instead of protecting their own children, they would encourage the teachers by telling them: ?Donn li so zaffair!? (Laughter)?