We must agree that our motherland is not as gnawed by poverty as the countries of our forefathers. Despite the fact that we are dwarfed in size and resources by those imposing nation states, we enjoy a better standard of living.

It would be too extensive to analyze the reasons behind what could appear a paradox but it can most probably be attributed to better management of the affairs of our country since the beginning; superior political stability and democracy; the vision of its decision makers; the industrious and ingenious nature of its people and the fact that it is a new nation more or less safe from tribal and inter-ethnic conflict, to mention but a few points.

Yet we still have around 25,000 poverty-stricken households whose members live a miserable and hopeless existence. Addressing such a weak percentage of a yet heart-rending poverty ?is nothing like parting the Red Sea? as so rightly expressed by Ms Deepa Bhookhun in her piece of opinion published in l?express of 17th October last.

All depends on how much goodwill we are ready to spend on that noble task. While it is true that education and employment are vital in fighting poverty, it is not less true that education is free in Mauritius while the prospects of obtaining a job are not that gloomy.

It is worth asking ourselves why this free education is still producing around 30% of CPE failures every year. Why is it that some students are automatically promoted to higher classes despite the fact that they cannot master elementary notions of syllables? Are the poor in schools given the additional attention, which their deprived and uneducated parents won?t be able to cater for at home?

It would be desirable to find the reasons behind some parents? disinterest in sending their wards to school. Maybe they have no vision of how education can change their lives. Someone must explain it to them and ensure that all parties play their part so that the vision may come true, hence the presence of more social workers in vulnerable places. These field workers could help bridge the gap between work offers and labour supply available among the poor.

One does not need to grasp the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to work as a maid or gardener! The demand seem to be there, where is then the missing link with the supply?

People must feel more concerned with poverty, it is regrettable that only a handful participated in the recent public manifestation against poverty while huge crowds fill political meetings and paid concerts.

We should realize that sleeping on our laurels concerning our privileged conditions as compared with other countries will only worsen the situation. Poverty is a pervasive plague; neglecting it can lead to serious social problems earlier than expected.

We should therefore endeavour to take the poor onboard the locomotive of development. Fishing them out of the ditch will not only help fight poverty but ensure general prosperity and stability for all of us. Let?s work for more proximity with those who live in misery.

Alain JEANNOT