Mauritius: The winners of the two categories of the Francophonie Eloquence Competition 2022 were awarded prizes, on February 9, 2023, by the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, and the Ambassador of the Republic of France to Mauritius, Mrs Florence Caussé-Tissier.
In her address, VPM Dookun-Luchoomun underlined that the third edition of the Francophonie Eloquence Competition was organised in the context of the International Francophonie Day to celebrate the French language as well as the values of peace, democracy, and human rights that are all cherished in the Francophone Culture.
The Education Minister pointed out that these values are anchored in the Education system of Mauritius, which she emphasised, aims at nurturing responsible global citizens who are multi-skilled and can easily adapt to situations.
While remarking that this annual competition provides a platform for students of the Republic of Mauritius to showcase their talents, namely the art of communicating in the French language, the VPM rejoiced that this activity also contributes to the wholesome development of the participants.
She thus recalled that the reform being undertaken in the education system focuses on the acquisition of oral competencies, which she highlighted are defining skills that will determine the way one transmits his ideas and his level of persuasion.
Our young students are to be equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to be able to adapt to the constantly evolving work environment, and oral proficiency will undeniably play a major role in determining events such as job interviews, stated VPM Dookun-Luchoomun.
As for the French Ambassador, she spoke of the power of eloquence in fostering leadership and enabling influence on others. She observed that eloquence also consists of the art of persuasion and can prompt others to act.
The competition has provided a creative space that has enabled the acquisition of a skill that will be relevant in all domains of life, that is, in their personal, academic and professional life, she affirmed.
Mrs Florence Caussé-Tissier underlined that the freedom of expression forms part of the fundamental rights enshrined in the French language and culture.
Furthermore, she announced that the fourth edition of the competition would be held this year.
The prize-giving ceremony was organised jointly by the French Embassy in Mauritius and the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, and was held at the Institut Français de Maurice in Rose Hill.
The competition
The third edition of the competition forms part of the activities held to mark the International Francophonie Day and the Indian Ocean eloquence competition to be held in Reunion Island in March 2023. The competition targeted students in Grade 11 in public schools and French educational institutions.
Prizes awarded to winners from the Mauritian education system:
Ms Y. Babajee, a student at Queen Elizabeth College, was awarded the first prize and obtained a gift bag and a cash prize of Rs 5,000. She will participate in the Indian Ocean regional eloquence competition of the Association “Young people today for tomorrow” to be held in Reunion in March 2023.
The winner of the second prize obtained a gift bag and a cash prize of Rs 2,500 and will participate in the Indian Ocean eloquence competition of the Association “Young people today for tomorrow”, to be held in Reunion in March 2023.
A voucher worth Rs1,000 in a bookstore holding the “Librairie francophone de référence” label, a gift bag and a cash prize of Rs 1,000 were offered to the third prize winner.
Prizes awarded to winners from French educational establishments:
The winner of this category, Ms D. Maulloo, a student at the Lycée La Bourdonnais, will participate in the Indian Ocean regional eloquence competition of the Association “Young people today for tomorrow” to be held in Reunion Island in March 2023. She was handed over a gift bag and a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
A voucher worth Rs2,500.00 in a bookstore holding the “Librairie francophone de référence” label, a gift bag and a cash prize of Rs 2,500 were handed over to the second prize winner.
The third prize winner won a voucher worth Rs1,000.00 in a bookstore holding the “Librairie francophone de référence” label, a gift bag and a cash prize of Rs 1,000.
