Learn arithmetic in a foreign language?
In Mauritius, children have to go to school because schooling is compulsory. For many children this is not so easy at first, because their mother tongue is mostly Morisyen, a Creole language. However, the school teaches in English. In addition to English, French is also compulsory as a foreign language. But for the very young, learning starts right away with foreign language lessons.
While the elementary school costs nothing, the secondary school is chargeable. The richer Mauritians can then afford a school for their children while the poorer are left out. There are also children on the rich island of Mauritius who do not go to school at all or only for a short time.
Environmental education in schools
Environmental education is very important in Mauritius. There is even a special program designed to stimulate students’ interest in environmental protection. This is called “learning with nature”. Mauritius only has five percent of its original forest area, so at least the rest of it is to be preserved.
Not all children are fine
According to recipesinthebox.com, Mauritius is one of the more prosperous African countries. Nevertheless, poverty, especially among children, does not stop in Mauritius. Especially the people of Creole origin are often very poor. They live in huts, have no running water and their children are often malnourished. Child mortality in Mauritius is high, despite the extensive health care system.
Often times, the Mauritians drink bad water, which causes diarrhea. This is particularly bad for children because they have not yet developed such a good immune system and such a disease affects them more than an adult.
The school system in Mauritius is fairly well developed, but is often limited to the larger cities, so that children who live far away have poorer access to a school and thus to education.
The abandoned children in paradise
There are also children in Mauritius who live on the streets and have to earn their own living. They also often do not go to school. They either have no parents or parents who cannot support them. You are at risk of abuse and mistreatment. Many children also use drugs. Children with disabilities are often completely denied access to schools.
Children whose families have been diagnosed with AIDS are also excluded from society. In this way, not only the sick parents, but also their children are excluded. Creole children are also excluded.
Problems
Mauritius: land and islands of contrasts
When you look at pictures of Mauritius, you might think: it’s beautiful there! It really is. That is why tourists from many countries around the world come year after year to spend their holidays in this beautiful nature. This supports the economy in Mauritius and the state has additional income, for example to build schools or hospitals. But only part of the money remains in Mauritius. The owners of the hotels are often large corporations with their headquarters elsewhere. And that’s where the money goes.
There are many rich people, but also poverty on the islands. In addition to the beautiful hotels and dreamy beaches that tourists see, there is a completely different, less than paradisiacal world.
The world of the locals often looks different from what the tourists experience. Mauritians cannot afford luxury food. Holidaymakers often stay in their luxury hotels and avoid the cities, perhaps to buy goods or eat something there. Many stay in their hotel complexes and do not even see the people who live in poor conditions, in simple huts without running water. And whoever is swimming in the hotel’s own pool doesn’t necessarily want to be reminded of all the misery in the world.
Tourism is an important source of income. The Mauritians cannot do without that. Nevertheless, it would be better if the tourists shop locally and use local services so that the money stays with the Mauritians themselves. Incidentally, this does not only apply to Mauritius, but to many other parts of the world that live from tourism.
Eating in Mauritius
What do people eat in Mauritius?
In Mauritius, Indian, Creole, Chinese and French influences mix in the kitchen. The everyday cuisine in Mauritius is rather simple and differs from the luxury cuisine that tourists get to eat in hotels.
The Mauritians themselves like to eat curry. It is a mostly spicy sauce in many different variations that is served with chicken, beef or fish. There is also a lot of rice. Depending on the seasoning, curries can be very hot, sometimes almost too hot for our taste.
Fish dishes are also everywhere. Fish is fried, steamed or baked on the table. It is often dried beforehand because the fish will keep better that way.
The Mauritians do not eat fresh vegetables that often, mostly they are pasta or rice dishes with a lot of noodles or a lot of rice. Roti (flat cakes) with various curries and beans are also important Mauritian dishes.
Many dishes on the street are also fried in oil. The deep-fried triangular dumplings called samosas are very popular on the street. Their filling consists of meat or vegetables. Dholl piris, a flatbread with peas, is also popular.
Fresh fruits are also available and you can buy them at the regional markets.