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provide an education for pupils for would proceed to various primary
all through digital empowerment and schools around the island (IST-Africa,
use of innovative technologies. The 2017). Each Cyber Caravan is equipped
project was launched in 2011 with the with 25 laptops, 2 Dashboard Display
commissioning of interactive projectors Screen, 18 tablets and broadband
and laptops in primary schools. The internet (NCB, 2018). The objective of
second and third phases of the project introducing coding at an early age is to
were implemented in 2012 and 2013, spark interest among young learners for
respectively. This has marked a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
horizon in implementing technology and Mathematics) subjects.
in the Mauritian education system Over these years, MoE Mauritius made
(Education Reform in Action 2008- efforts to ensure that digital education
2014) and laid the foundation for a becomes an important tool for teaching
digital culture. Key initiatives have been and learning in the classroom. However
summarized as below:
uptake of the ICT in the primary
a. The project covered Grade IV to education encompasses number of
Grade VI of all primary schools of issues, including access of computer
Mauritius. hardware and software in primary
education, provision of relevant digital
b. Mauritius Institute of Education
(MIE) was responsible for the learning content and limited options
elaboration and digitization of for educators for exploring innovative
educational contents. ideas for pupils
The MoE launched a comprehensive
c. Educators were trained on the use
of ICT tools to enhance teaching and review of the education system in
learning. Mauritius in 2016-17. In order to
raise the education standard and
d. CT support officers were recruited government introduced major reform
to assist in the promotion of a digital through the Nine Year Continuous Basic
culture in primary school. Education (NYCBE) Programme. NYCBE
blueprints was based on Sustainable
3. Digital Youth Engagement Development Goal-4 (SDG-4: Quality
Programme Project (DYEP) Education) of the United Nations i.e.
The National Computer Board (NCB) “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality
operating under the aegis of Ministry education and promote lifelong learning
of Technology, Communication and opportunities for all”. NYCBE highlights
Innovation (MTCI) has been running the development of 21st century
various ICT initiatives at national level. In competencies that reinforce the holistic
2017, Mauritius Government announced education offered by the curriculum
DYEP which comprises an introductory (MoE Mauritius, 2016). The use of digital
course on coding to youngsters from education is an important part of NYCBE
Grade IV and Grade V. The learners programme, to help learners acquire
were provided with a 15-hour training necessary skills required for a highly
delivered in the Cyber Caravans, which technological and information-based
Indian Journal of Educational Technology 293
Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2021