“Energy”, a single word, but it commands a wide spectrum of the most complex of meanings. A philosopher will evidently invoke the spirituality of the word and indeed, energy is to the soul what food is to the body. An artistic perspective might perhaps attribute the power of the word to the exalting feature of a noble creation. As for a scientific context, the word is precious. A simple quote of the members of this sect on a fundamental concept illustrates this idea clearly: “Matter is made up of atoms, which in turn comprises of protons, neutrons and electrons or, in brief, simply energy.”

One of the most praiseworthy geniuses had created havoc in the scientific world with his equation: E=mc2. Albert Einstein had resumed the existence of the whole universe in one line. It was a definite turning point in Physics. In the aftermath, many theories, laws, and equations had to be reviewed. This only highlights further the importance of energy.

Today, it is to be deplored but, at the same time, understandable that electrical energy, known commonly as “electricity”, is taken for granted. It is obvious that we neither appreciate nor understand the importance of this form of energy. I would not be surprised if a considerable portion of the Mauritian population is unaware of the complexity of the economic as well as technical processes that have to be overcome to light a bulb in a house. Many also simply do not care as long as their electrical supply remains uninterrupted.

In the recent weeks, the government has been carrying an intensive campaign in the whole country to sensitize the population on this topic. This mission is going to be a tough one.

Nevertheless, we can be optimistic about the operation in schools. The education of the new generation is definitely going to bear its fruits. It is essential that the right fundamental values be impregnated in our culture at the very early stage of our education. The whole nation can be grateful to teachers if they accept to shoulder this additional responsibility.

Psychologists will besides confirm that young brains learn mostly by mimicking adults. It is a fact that, nowadays, more parents can afford to send their children to primary schools at least. The next period of secondary education will be essentially one of transition where the child starts to develop rebel attitudes during the phase of identity crisis, where it would evidently be difficult to intervene. This stresses even more the need to act as early as possible.

At pre-primary level, simple actions like switching a bulb on and off in front of the child can prepare the field for further enrichment of their tender grey matter. The fascination aroused in the child through this activity will create the interest needed to inculcate him/her the right values. This learning process could continue and be intensified later on during his/her education.

In the future, the competent authorities should perhaps envisage cooperation between psychologists and teachers at all levels to achieve the required efficiency of the campaign. Interactive learning materials, now unavailable at pre-primary and primary level, should be provided without hesitation. This topic can moreover be included in the school curriculum. The contribution of educational organisations like the Mauritius College of the Air will also be invaluable in this mission.

If we tread on this path, one day surely, in the near future, the population will be conscious enough to save energy, hence helping the country partly to get out of its difficult financial straits. We must never forget that the children of today are the adults of tomorrow.

<B>Rajnish DATRY</B>