The low performance of MEDCO schools compared to other colleges was mainly because of the level of its intake. Many students come from underprivileged regions with financial and family problems. Many are beneficiaries of social aid. But its colleges have not only worked with low-performing students to make them pass their exams; but they have also helped many students financially to sit for their HSC exams through its Parent-Teacher Associations. Making those students succeed and climbing up the ladder was the main objective of MEDCO.

Its long-term strategy has brought positive results. This year has indeed been a blessed one for MEDCO: its HSC results have been excellent. MEDCO Bhujoharry has ranked better than 26 state schools for the 2007 HSC results, with a success rate of 89.29%. ?When compared to the previous results, the 2007 HSC results have indeed been a big leap ahead?, says Rashad Daureeawo. Since 2007, MEDCO has invested Rs 12 millions in its schools to better equip them with Art classes, libraries as well as Home Economics, Computer and Science laboratories.

Over the years, MEDCO has realized another objective: it has offered employment to redundant staff from other colleges. It has made maximum use of their competence and integrated them within the MEDCO family. ?MEDCO provided an emergency rescue service when the three colleges of the south, closed down this year. We have employed about 100 teachers who are now working for MEDCO?, stresses Rashad Daureeawo.

<B> New challenge in Agalega</B>

MEDCO has this year made a major step forward in the education sector. It opened the first lower secondary school in Agalega in January 2008. It has taken up the challenge of starting a pilot project jointly with the ministry of Education. The school has 22 students, 3 teachers and a manager. Despite the small number of students, six of them follow the prevocational curriculum and the other 16 are in the mainstream.

Previously, many students from Agalega were coming to Mauritius for secondary education. Many could not adapt themselves and went back to Agalega. To cater for those students and give them access to education, MEDCO has set up a multi- level of teaching. This is because many students of different ages have already followed part of their lower secondary education in Mauritius. A specific curriculum with a holistic approach has been set up to cater for the specific needs of different groups of students depending on their levels.

The curriculum has been worked out and adapted for low-performing students and every facility which is normally being offered in a school in Mauritius, is also offered to them. The school is equipped with library, laboratory, computer room and sports facilities. The college will provide education up to Form III level.