The Director of the British Council, Rosalind Budford (2nd from left), hosted a welcome reception for Barry Masoga (3rd from left)in the splendid setting of Black River. The British Council Director of Education for Southern Africa was here on a ?familiarisation? visit to ?establish and understand the needs and priorities of the Mauritian educational system.? He stated that our country has ?very talented individuals and that it would be interesting to start up a network between African countries and Mauritius so as to share ideas?. He believes that ?people here can help others in countries such as Namibia and Botswana. Since the countries have similarities, such as a small population, they face the same issues.? Barry Masoga had the opportunity to meet many other people. The British high commissioner, David Snoxell, and the vice-president of the Republic, Raouf Bhundun were among the personalities present. A group of boys from Saint Esprit College who had worked with the British Council to create a web site about the two explorers, Flinders and Baudin, were mingling with the other guests. The British Council staff was at hand to make the evening as enjoyable as possible.