NEWSLETTER THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION Issue No. 40 June 2014 Mauritius Branch
Creating global understanding through English
PRESIDENT’S Dear ESU Friends
MESSAGE I should like to provide you with an update on the tremendous work that is being undertaken by the English-Speaking Union to strengthen the use of English language amongst our youngsters, teachers and members.
As you know, ESU-Mauritius focuses on educational programmes mainly for secondary school students. This year, as an innovation, the Finals of our Public Speaking Competition were held in the studio of the MBC – indeed a premiere for the ESU!!! Our aim was to reach out to a larger audience, and to make ESU better known to the public. The target was attained as the event was very well reported in the MBC News and broadcast twice on television. Prior to the competition, ESU organized workshops on persuasive speech training for all participants, in Mauritius and in Rodrigues, to help them improve their performance. Participants learnt how to develop the vital skills that enable them to speak with confidence in public. Research conducted in the UK showed that students, who are given ample opportunities to develop verbal and oral communication skills, acquire self-confidence
and do better in life.
The United Nations has declared the 23 rd April, which is the birthday of William Shakespeare, as the International English Language Day. For the second year running, the English-Speaking Union, with the continued support of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, marked the English-Language Day with the delivery of a message read at the assembly of secondary schools to create awareness on the importance of the English Language in Mauritius and internationally. It is envisaged to extend this practice to primary schools as well.
Our Spelling Bee Competition remained strong with a steady number of participants in both Mauritius and in Rodrigues. This is a sign that Rectors, Teachers and students recognise the educational value underpinning this programme. However, participants should be reminded that their efforts should not be confined to the Spelling Bee competition only. Trying to spell properly should be an ongoing process to enable them to write proper English, not to mention adequate grammar and an enriched vocabulary.
ESU ran the Spelling Bee Competition and a story telling competition in Rodrigues earlier in June. I was very pleased to have been able to travel to Rodrigues to promote the English language there too… Exposure to the English language from a young age develops skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing English, thus enhancing the performance of English among young pupils. ESU had organized a “Tell A Tale” workshop - on a pilot basis - to encourage primary schools teachers in Rodrigues to devote time daily to reading to their pupils. As part of this programme, a story-telling competition was organized for Standard V pupils in Rodrigues, and proved a success. I was delighted by t he warm welcome given to the ESU in Rodrigues. I was also very much impressed to see how these young pupils used their imagination and creativity to tell us their stories, with a good command of English. I should like to congratulate the teachers for their efforts. It was very encouraging and promising!
Thanks to our partnership with the US Embassy, every year, our teachers have the possibility of following innovative distance learning courses which will enable them to improve the quality of their teaching. We are currently selecting participants for the 2014/2015 E-Teacher Scholarship Programme. We encourage teachers to take part in the programme which is run annually. Pupils singing a welcoming song to the ESU
Now that we are entering the second semester, ESU will focus on activities fo r adult members: our annual dinner, a debate on television, a scrabble competition and more…
On a last note, I should like to thank all our members and sponsors for their loyal support and dedication to the ESU.
With kind regards,
A. Prem Burton, CSK, President, ESU-Mauritius ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS 1 TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org
Creating global understanding through English
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – APRIL 2014 STORY TELLING
COMPETITION FOR The English-Speaking STANDARD V PUPILS IN Union held its Annual RODRIGUES General Meting on Monday 7 th April 2014 The English Speaking Union at the British Council. organised a story telling competition for standard V The President, Mr A. Prem Burton, CSK, gave a detailed pupils in Rodrigues, at the account of ESU activities for the year 2013. Mr Rajendra Chief Commission er, Mr Serge the Cultural and Leisure Korlapu-Bungaree, Treasurer, presented the Financial Clair, congratulating the winner Centre, Mont Plaisir, on Statements of the ESU and conveyed our appreciation to of the Story telling competition Wednesday 18 th June 2014. Mr Shareef Ramjan of SRA Associates who carried out the auditing of ESU accounts free of charge. The story telling competition was run in collaboration with the Chief Commissioner’s Office and the Commission for The English-Speaking Union is pleased to announce its Education in Rodrigues, and was sponsored by the Office Bearers for the year 2014/2015. Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd. Patron : Sir Victor Glover, Kt, GOSK Prior to the competition, Mr A. Prem Burton, President of President : Mr A. Prem Burton, CSK Vice-Presidents : Mrs Marie-France Roussety the ESU, and Mr Serge Clair, Chief Commissioner and Commissioner for Education, addressed the pupils Mr Parmaseeven Veeraragoo Mr Rajen Gangoosingh Story telling is a fun activity which encourages the use of Secretary : Mr Barlen Vyapoory imagination and creativity, and strengthens the pupils’ Treasurer : Mr Rajendra Korlapu-Bungaree confidence in speaking English from an early age. Mr Asst Secretary : Mr Philip Li Ching Hum Prem Burton said “Being exposed to the English language Members : Mr Parmanand Nunkoo, OSK from a young age develops skills in listening, speaking, Mr Aniroodh Ramjeeawon, PDSM reading and writing English, thus enhancing the Mrs Pratima Devi Beedasy performance of English of young pupils”. In his address, Mr Ganesh Rampat Mr Serge Clair spoke about the importance of the English Mr Bisnoodev Bissoonauth language and congratulated all participants for taking Mrs Georgina Ragaven part in the competition. Mr Deepak Maunthrooa Mrs Sanjiveni Poullé Twelve pupils took part in the competition. Judges -Mr Ms Dawn Long, British Council Prem Burton, Mr Lelio Roussety, former Commissioner for Prof Serge Rivière Education and Mrs Susan Auguste, British Hon. Consul - Rep of the British High Commission were impressed by the confidence in which the Rep of the US Embassy participants narrated their respective stories. The first Rep of the Ministry of Arts & Culture prize went to Andreyanna Ravina from Basile Allas Port Rep of the Ministry of Education & H.R Mathurin Government School who narrated the story of Rep of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “The Hare and the Tortoise” and explained the moral Rep of Prime Minister’s Office lesson behind the story. The two runner-ups were Marie Emilia Edouard and Clarissa Cupidon of Antoinette In this Issue Prudence St Famille RCA and Terre Rouge Government School respectively. Annual General Meeting………………………. 2 All participants received gifts from the MCB and the ESU. Story Telling Competition – Rodrigues ………… 2 MCB offered cash Public Speaking Competition …………………… 3 vouchers to the winner and two Commonwealth Day Observance ………………. 3 runner-ups. International Public Speaking Competition ……... 4 Our thanks to Mr Achieving Excellence Through the ESU…………... 5 Orlando Auguste Forthcoming Events …………………………….... 5 and Mrs M.V. Emilien for helping English Language Day ………………………….. 6 in the organisation National Spelling Bee Competition …………….. 7 of the competition. A big thank you to Mrs Kovilah Veeraragoo, Project Officer, representing the ESU for the Support to English Teachers ……………………. 8 “Tell a Tale” workshop and the story telling competition in Rodrigues. ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS 2 TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org
Creating global understanding through English
THE 2014 PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION Sponsored by HSBC Mauritius, HSBC Global Education Trust and the British Council
The Public Speaking Competition kicked off on 30 th January 2014 and the Finals were held on Thursday 27 th March in the studio of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation.
The panel of judges was made up of H.E. Nick Leake, British High Commissioner, Ms Dawn Long, Director of the British Council and Ms Giovanna Viscione, Chief Finance Officer of HSBC Mauritius.
For the second year running, Dr Maurice Curé State College won the competition. Subadra Ghoorun Participants eagerly waiting for the judges’ decision . impressed the judges with a speech entitled “One word H.E. Nick Leake, British High commissioner addressing the audience. shared”, in line with this year’s theme “To be Human is Ms Subadra Ghoorun was declared Winner of the 2014 PSC. to Discuss.”.
The first runner-up was Mr Olivier Lenoir of Lycée des Mascareignes whose speech was entitled “Words build the world”. The 2 nd runner-up was Ms Grace Pearlyn Chan Too of Loreto College, Port Louis. Other finalists were Deepanjalee Appadoo of Northfields International High School, Esther Yvon of Pamplemousses State Secondary School, Marie Emilie Agathe of Rodrigues College, Kayshen Samoo of Royal College Curepipe, Omal Afzal Reshan Auleear of Royal College Port Louis and Teerajsing Akash Ramlochun of St Joseph’s College.
The Public Speaking Competition is one of the major educational programmes, run annually in the 55 countries around the globe where the English-Speaking Union is established. It is estimated that over 40,000 students are involved in this competition every year. At the level of ESU-Mauritius, this year, the public speaking competition attracted a total of 109 participants from 81 schools. ESU encouraged all participating schools to run an in-house competition before the selection of their candidates. This competition not only enhances the participants’ public speaking and critical thinking skills; it also places them in situations requiring them to make spontaneous responses. Further, it allows participants to meet their fellow students and express their thoughts on a number of very important issues.
Thanks to the financial support of HSBC Bank (Mauritius), ESU was able to run workshops, at various stages of the competition, on public speaking skills to enhance the performance of the participants, both in Mauritius and in Rodrigues. Indeed, prior to the competition in Rodrigues, Mr Barlen Vyapoorty travelled there to run the workshop for all the participants. All participants received prizes from the British Council. The Winner was offered an air ticket to London to represent Mauritius at the International Public Speaking Competition and some pocket money, compliments of the HSBC.
ESU is very grateful to all members, volunteers and staff of host schools who helped us in the organization of the competition this year.
COMMONWEALTH DAY OBSERVANCE : The Commonwealth Day was observed at the Finals of the Public Speaking Competition, in the studio of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. Sir Victor Glover, Hon. Representative of the Royal Commonwealth Society, read Her Majesty the Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message.
Here are a few extracts of Her Majesty’s message issued on 10 th March 2014 : In July this year, the
opening of the 20th Commonwealth Games will be marked by the arrival in Glasgow of the baton that
started its journey from Buckingham Palace five months ago. Many of us are following closely the news of
the baton relay as it passes through the 70 countries and territories whose teams will gather for the Games.
The images bring vividly to life what we mean by the Commonwealth family: it is wonderful to see the
warmth, shared endeavour and goodwill as the baton is passed through the hands of many thousands of
people.
Affinities of history and inheritance from the past are strong; yet we are bound together by a sense that the Commonwealth is a powerful influence of good for the future. People of all ages from different cultures are weaving an ever-growing network of links which connect us in our diversity and our common purpose. It is this unity that is expressed in this year's theme: 'Team Commonwealth'. While national teams will be concentrating on the competition in August, Team Commonwealth will have a longer focus, working together to achieve a more enduring success… I am delighted that in the year of 'Team Commonwealth', we will be working to build a brighter, united future in which every one of us can play a part and share in its rewards!
ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS 3 TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org
Creating global understanding through English
THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING Our National winner, Subadra COMPETITON (IPSC) – MAY 2014 Ghoorun, flew to London to take A truly international competition involving part in the IPSC. At the participants from some 55 countries preliminaries, Subadra delivered a speech entitled “The missing link” and qualified for the semi-finals The IPSC has now been running for 33 years. It aims at where her impromptu topic was “an bringing together the best speakers from all over the eye for an eye makes the world go world for a week of international cultural exchange. It blind”. Subadra tells us about the showcases the very highest standard of public speaking “truly one of the best experiences” from around the world, while giving delegates an she could ever have. opportunity to meet and engage with other young people of different backgrounds and culture. “The ESU provided me with a platform that I had never This year’s international theme was “Imagination is more been on before. A platform to speak and most importantly important than Knowledge” a platform to be heard. Meeting people of my own age, who could stand up and speak about what they thought had to be said, without fear, and who would willingly listen and JAE HYUN PARK FROM SOUTH KOREA WINS THE IPSC acknowledge what I had to say gave me the courage to voice out my own personal opinions. Representatives of India, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia reached the finals ESU has quite simply changed my life and given me a new and all gave fantastic speeches at the grand final held at direction, a new perspective of my future. I now see endless HSBC headquarters, London. opportunities because I no longer have fears.
Ultimately, the judges reached a decision and declared Dartmouth House is quite simply the home of the English- that the winner was Jae Hyun Park from the Republic of Speaking Union in London. It was also the stepping stone to Korea who gave a thought-provoking speech entitled the most thrilling week ahead. Workshops were held there “Dare to Dream”. The runner-up award went to Maria with our ever enthusiastic mentors ready to teach us all that Ballesteros from Mexico for her speech on the war on they knew about the secret of public speaking. There we drugs. The Audience choice award went to Kudzai bonded and shared our skills and art in very unique ways. Sibanda of South Africa. Busy, bustling, cosmopolitan, that’s London and getting out All participants left London to return home with memories there to experience what made this city’s heart beat was my and friendships that they won’t forget… mission. A visit to the House of Parliament was the best place to start. I cannot even describe the feeling I had when
As part of the five-day programme in London, I realised that the only thing that separated me from the participants received training in public speaking and room where the world’s most powerful and influential debating skills from world class ESU mentors. Training in leaders were busy debating, was a simple door… A break expression, delivery, listening and response skills were in the famous gardens, dining along the majestic Thames, designed to improve the participants’ delivery of their seeing the London eye and hearing Big Ben was just the beginning of only one fun day. prepared speeches and their ability to listen and respond to questions. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was our next stop and quite
Training in organization and prioritization of arguments, frankly the most enjoyable three hours spent in London. We reasoning and analysis, as well as critical thinking skills were all trained in drama by an expert who gave us a tour were designed to improve the participants’ ability to of the Globe where we watched their famous players rehearse. write and deliver an impromptu speech.
Participants also received training in drama, theatre and The week got even better when we were given a bus tour of performance at the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The London after a tough morning of competition. Later that aim was to enhance their expressive and persuasive evening, we watched the world renowned Broadway show, the Lion King. abilities as well as their improvisation skills and confidence generally. Besides, the programme included And of course on the last day at the HSBC headquarters the visits to the House of Parliament, BBC TV studios, Hampton grand winner of the IPSC was crowned! In a desperate Court Palace, a trip to the theatre and more… attempt to create everlasting friendships and great
The culmination of this worldwide event was the Grand memories, we all hit the city for one last time that night! Finals held at HSBC headquarters in London on Friday 16 th May 2014. What a wonderful week it was!!!”
ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS 4 TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org
Creating global understanding through English
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE THROUGH A lady who was sitting near me in the finals confided “This THE ESU is a dream come true”. She told me that she was with the By Anitah Aujayeb ESU in its debut days and she had always dreamed (article appeared in “Le Mauricien” in April about such progress as far as speaking good English was 2014) concerned. The lady was clearly enjoying every bit of the event, totally satisfied that the present team at the ESU The ESU, that is the English Speaking has been able to make her dream come true. Union, Mauritius Branch, based at Port Louis is doing its utmost towards There can be many more people having the same opinion promoting the English Language in our that the ESU is doing a great job towards promoting the country. language. Years back the situation was pathetic even if our official language was and remains to be English. I Apart from the various ongoing activities it caters for, remember my university days when other foreign students namely The Bee Spelling Competition, The Commonwealth asked us Mauritians about our official language. We had Essay competition, the Online Certificate courses for to say it was English even if we knew the level was quite English teachers in collaboration with American universities, unpromising. Today, one would be proud to hear and The Summer course at The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre speak good English. We can but say thanks to institutions in the heart of London or at Stratford Upon Avon, where like the ESU, which leaves no stone unturned to reach its Mauritius is represented by an English teacher, the Public objective, which is to create global understanding through Speaking competition is and remains one of its topmost English. The ESU is always present when a book in English achievements as far as the betterment of the English is launched, it has many writers in English as members and Language in Mauritius is concerned. the ESU is also present at book fairs and so on, promoting books in English. It is the sense of commitment which makes The finals of the Public Speaking competition in English the difference. were held at the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. It The recent innovative idea coming from ESU members is a was as the English say “A feast for the eyes and a feast regular Scrabble competition to be held at its seat and for the ears”. Anyone present on the day would have which will surely attract many lovers of the English surely been agreeably surprised by the highly Language. Learning by playing can be said to be the commendable level of English spoken over there. Gone best form of teaching are the days when Mauritian students stumbled when speaking English. Gone are the days when Mauritian To conclude, Hats off to the ESU, specially for the Public teachers felt hopeless and helpless when thinking of their Speaking competition finals at the MBC, on Thursday 27 struggles to empower their students with speaking skills in march. It is an open invitation also to many other schools English. The teaching and the learning of the English to come forward and contribute towards making your Language have taken an astounding turn and the soaring students read, write and speak good English. Let’s go level of the language heard at the MBC is a proof in faster as there is no speed limit on the way to excellence. itself that the ESU has gone through an outstanding performance.
The Public Speaking Competition is an annual feature of the ESU since years. If in the early years only a few participants could be heard, it is now an event not to be missed in secondary schools. Hence jury members at the Heats have a very tough time to select the best from each lot. Those who make it to the finals know how tough it is to be selected, not only through the delivery of their speech FORTHCOMING EVENTS – 2014 but after going through the round of pertinent questions (Please contact the ESU for more information) they have to answer fluently and with great logic and ° Friday 22 nd August 2014 – The Annual Dinner of the show of maturity. English-Speaking Union
The winner then amply deserves the most coveted prize ° 11 th September 2014 – Debate involving adults which is a return ticket to London, participation in the (Date to be confirmed) International Competition held at the Headquarters of the ESU, in great pomp and elegance, in the traditional British ° 17 th to 21 st September 2014 – International Council style, with all the other benefits and privileges derived Meeting of the English-Speaking Union, Genoa, Italy from. I bet students have already started getting ready for the next competition after reading this article. ° November / December 2014 – Scrabble competition (Date to be confirmed)
ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS 5 TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org
Creating global understanding through English
The second in rank is Hindustani, spoken by nearly one billion people. As a native language English is used by about 300 million people mainly in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South The English Language Day, introduced by the English- Africa and in many countries across the world. What Speaking Union in collaboration with the Ministry of distinguishes English from the other major languages is Education, is a welcome occasion to kick-start the that it is the most common second language spoken in the progressive habit of speaking English. Doors of success world. It is reckoned that around 2 billion people either will be opened to those who become more effective at speak English as a second language or are in the process expressing themselves in that global language! of studying it.
Members of the Executive Committee of The English- Everywhere in the world, peoples and governments are Speaking Union were present at various schools for the promoting the study and use of English in their respective reading of a message prepared by the ESU on the countries. In this context, the situation in China, for importance of the English language. They received a example, compels our attention. China is geographically very warm welcome from rectors, teachers & pupils. the biggest country in the world. It has the largest Many schools had organized activities such as drama, population. It is an emergent economy with a bright future, poem recitation and film watching to further promote the likely to dominate the world. As far as the language English language. policy is concerned, China is investing massively in the Messrs A. Prem Burton, CSK and Barlen Vyapoory, teaching of English to its population. Tuitions are being respectively President and Secretary of the English- conducted in stadiums like politicians haranguing the Speaking Union, and Hon. Dr Vasant Bunwaree, Minister crowd or music stars mesmerising the fans in their tens of of Education, were present at France Boyer de la thousands, reminiscent of the starmania phenomenon. Yes, Giroday State Secondary School on Wednesday 23 rd there is English language mania happening today in April 2014 to address the students on the occasion of the China.
English Language Day. In his speech, Hon. Dr Bunwaree Obviously, the Chinese have taken an intelligent decision. told the students that “ On this English Language Day, I They have realised that, whether you like it or not, fluency would wish you all, dear students, to take a pledge to strive and mastery of the English Language is a key to success in to achieve the goal of mastering the English language”. He life in this contemporary global village. They have added “The English language is one major pathway that realised that English is the number one language of will open up a whole new vista of opportunities for all of international trade and shipping, science, information you, young learners”. The Mauritius Broadcasting technology, diplomacy, medicine, aviation, popular music Corporation was present at France Boyer de la Giroday and literature, in fact of every piece of information and SSSS to report on activities organised by teachers and that if their population does not master the language, it students on that day to promote the English language. will be to their disadvantage.
Messrs Rajen Gangoosing and Ganesh Rampat Like China, most, if not all other countries in the world are represented the ESU at Hindu Girls College whereas adopting the same attitude towards English. This is Messrs Parmanand Nunkoo, OSK and Aniroodh because the modern world needs a common language. A Ramjeeawon, PDSM, were present at Lady Sushil speaker at TED, the forum where innovative ideas are Ramgoolam State Secondary School. Mr Philip Li Ching exposed, has rightly said: “Mathematics is the language Hum and Mr Bisnoodev Bissoonauth were present at of science, music is the language of emotions and English Muslim Girls College. Mr Rajendra Korlapu-Bungaree is the language of problem-solving. The world is faced and Mrs Pratima Beedasy visited Dunputh Lallah SSS. Mr with a number of global problems. We have to strive for Barlen Vyapory was also present at College du St Esprit a better future where the world has a common language for the reading of the English Language Day Message. to solve its common problems. That language is English.”
THE MESSAGE READ AT SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES : In Mauritius, we are fortunate to use English as our official
“The English Language has today assumed such an language and medium of instruction at school. It can be importance in the life of peoples across the world that, in said that all educated Mauritians have a working 2010, UNESCO deemed it necessary to decree April 23 knowledge of English. But it must also be said that the every year to be celebrated as the ENGLISH LANGUAGE quality of both written and spoken English, in general, is DAY. The date coincides with the birthday anniversary of not up to standard. We must do like the Chinese. They are William Shakespeare. learning to speak PERFECT ENGLISH. We would be wise to follow suit. Let us all strive to improve our fluency in There is no denying the fact that the English Language has, spoken English. Today, the English Language Day, is a as a result of world historical events, established itself as fitting occasion to take a firm resolution in that direction. the most common spoken and written international Our advice to you, students, is that henceforth you should language. It is true that the most common native language strive to achieve your goal of being able to speak English in the world is Mandarin, spoken by more than a billion naturally and fluently, for your own personal benefit.” people. ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS 6 TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org
Creating global understanding through English
Mr Jean Bernard The od orine of MCB , Mrs Marie -France Mr Philippe Lalljee of MCB with Form Mr P. Lalljee, Mr Prem Burton, Mr O. Auguste, Roussety, Mr Prem Burton, Ambassador Shari Villarosa and IV Winner (Rodrigues) Mrs Susan Falatko, Mr Lelio Roussety and Mr
Dr Vinod Nundloll, President of Rotary Club Vacoas, with Sanjit Teel oc k with the Winner s (Rodrigues ) the winners (F1 to F1V) NATIONAL SPELLING BEE COMPETITION – RODRIGUES NATIONAL SPELLING BEE COMPETITION - MAURITIUS The Spelling Bee Competition in Rodrigues was held on Sponsored by the US Embassy, The Mauritius Commercial Thursday 19 th June 2014 at Grande Montagne College. Bank, The Rotary Club Vacoas, Reinsurance Solutions and This activity was once again sponsored by the Commission Currimjee Foundation, the Finals of the 13 th edition of the for Education, the Embassy of the United States of National Spelling Bee Competition were held on Thursday America and the Mauritius Commercial Bank. 29 th May 2014 at the Mauritius Gymkhana Club, Vacoas.
The Spelling Bee competition, which US Deputy Chief of Mission, Mrs Susan Falatko, travelled gathered the best spellers across the to Rodrigues to assist the ESU as Pronouncer. The second island, is a competition where Pronouncer was Mr Lelio Roussety, former Commissioner participants are asked to spell for Education in Rodrigues. Judges were Mr Orlando English words. Those who had Auguste, representing the Commission for Education, Mr A. reached the Finals had spelt many Prem Burton, CSK, and Mrs Anne-Marie Ahkine.
difficult words at the heats, earning Following the welcoming address by Mrs Laurence them a place in the Finals! Francois, Rector of Grande Montagne College, Mr Prem The Pronouncers for this year’s Burton, Mrs Susan Falatko and Ms Rose de Lime Edouard, competiton were Her Excellency Shari Commissioner for Youth, addressed the students. In his Villarosa, Ambassador of the United speech, Mr Burton took us for a trip down memory lane, States of America and Sir Victor Glover, Kt GOSK. as he talked about Rodrigues as it was when he first Judges were Mr A. Prem Burton, CSK, President of the visited the island in 1969. He added that students of ESU, H.E. Mrs Marie-France Roussety, Vice-President of today should deem themselves lucky that there has been the ESU and Mrs Anne-Marie Ahkine, Executive Manager such a marked improvement in Rodrigues and that they of the ESU. Prior to the competition, Mr Prem Burton, US should use all facilities such as e-books, videos and other Ambassador Shari Villarosa and Hon. Mookhesswur technological tools to promote the quality of both their Choonee, GOSK, Minister of Arts and Culture, addressed written and spoken English. the students on the importance attached to spelling. A total of 72 students from all 6 schools in Rodrigues took The number of participants to our competition, this year, rose part in the competition. All participants received prizes to 542 students from 137 schools. However, a much larger from the US Embassy and the Mauritius Commercial Bank. number of students were involved in this educational programme as many schools run their own in-house The four winners (Form I, II, III and IV) listed below competition before selecting their best students to take part received special prizes from Mrs Susan Falatko, generous in ESU competition. All finalists received gifts from US cash prizes and corporate gifts from Mr Philippe Lalljee, Ambassador Shari Villarosa and the MCB. Winners on behalf of the Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd. ESU also received cash vouchers and corporate gifts from Mr Jean offered gifts, medals and certificates to the winners. Bernard Theodorine who represented the MCB. F1 : Luchry Usha Monica Brandooa of Le Chou College Winners of this year’s Spelling Bee Competition were: F2 : Marie Sylvia Agnes Leratz of Terre Rouge College F1 : Veshnavi Ghoorah of Queen Elizabeth College F3: Anne-Marie Alexandra Augustin of Rodrigues College F2 : Michelle Wong Chap Lan of Northfields Int High School F4 : Hillary Roussety of Rodrigues College F3 : Shachee Dhani Munbodowah of Pamplemousses SSS F4 : Avinash Jagai of Terre Rouge SSS Our gratitude to the Rector and Staff of Grande
A big thank you to all those who helped as Pronouncers and Montagne College for the warm welcome given to the judges. Our warmest appreciation goes to our Master of ESU. Thank you to Mr Sanjit Teelock who travelled to Ceremony, Mr Sanjit Teelock. Rodrigues to conduct the Spelling Bee there.
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The English-Speaking Union Creating global understanding through English
SUPPORT TO ENGLISH TEACHERS OFFERED BY THE US EMBASSY THE 2014/2015 E -Teacher Programme is now open
Teachers nominated by the for nomination. Teachers who have applied for the English-Speaking Union for programme should be highly motivated and dedicated the 2013/2014 E-Teacher Scholarship programme had to their own professional development and to sharing done marvellously well, the knowledge they gain with colleagues. They have many of them having achieved exceptional to be committed to fulfilling all programme grades of 97 to 99%. requirements, which include dedicating at least 8-10 Every year, 26 best participants across the world are hours to course work per week. offered the possibility of travelling to the US to take part in the E-Teacher Professional Development Workshop exchange programme run by the University of Oregon. Study of the US institute for secondary school This year, Mrs Jennifer Ramdonee of College du St Esprit Educators (Administrators) scored 99% in “Building Teaching Skills through the Ms B assantee (Reshma) Koomar , Interactive Web (Web Skills)” and was chosen on the basis of “Outstanding performance in online coursework lecturer at the Mauritius Institute of Education - the Authority responsible during the current program year” and having shown “Willingness and capacity to implement long-term for the training of teachers in Mauritius, for both primary and projects to improve the quality of English education in their local communities”. Mrs Ramdonee will be spending secondary schools (5 to 18 years of age) - took part in the “Study of the 3 weeks in Oregon in October 2014, all expenses paid by the US Embassy. US Institute for Secondary School Educators” offered by the US Embassy.
Mrs Jennifer Ramd onee said : I would like to thank the The programme ran from 4 th June to 10 th July 2014 in the ESU for the golden opportunity given to me. The ten- States. The theme of the institute was “Exploring Access
week course was memorable, so very fruitful as we got and Equity in U.S. Education and Society”. The Institute included rigorous academic seminars, meetings with into contact with several teachers from around the world. regional educators and prominent community leaders, site
There was much to do and assimilate during the course visits, and a study tour that visited San Francisco, Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C. Topics covered included an and at times I felt that ten weeks would not be enough. introduction to historical issues of access and equality in U.S
What we got from the course was really helpful and I am education; public policies to ensure access to education; the role of school boards; special education in the U.S; sure will be put to good use now that the government is alternative education models; teaching diverse
introducing technology in our classes. I do feel very populations; and bilingual education.
confident and well-equipped. THANK YOU
Another participant to the E-Teacher Scholarship We are very grateful to all our members, sponsors, Programme, Mrs Beatrice Rousseau Tout a Tout of St donors and well-wishers who support our mission. Our Nicholas Grammar School scored 98%. She said “ When I gratitude also goes to Mr Shareef Ramjan who once enrolled for the TESOL course, I was not really aware how it again audited our accounts, free of charge. would be. I was a bit apprehensive as it was my first time participating in a Teachers’ forum. Then week after week, I We wish to convey our warmest thanks to members who thoroughly enjoyed the online discussions. The daily represented the ESU at various functions, meetings and interaction with teachers from other countries was enriching. activities organized by Ministries and Municipalities. Although, it was hard work during these ten weeks, it was great learning from so many diverse backgrounds. Last, but certainly not least, we wish to renew our thanks Moreover, this online course has greatly helped me into and appreciation to Mr Sanjit Teelock, for always being polishing my teaching methods. A big thumb up to the UO present as our Master of Ceremony in such a very (University of Oregon) instructors, who were very helpful. I efficient way. would also like to thank the US Embassy and ESU for giving me the opportunity to participate in this online course”. ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS 8 TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org