Appraising Civic Education in the Secondary School Curriculum of Mauritius

• In Event: Global Civic Engagement Education: Ideas, Directions, and Calls for Action

Abstract

This chapter reviews civic education in both primary and secondary school curriculum in Mauritius. Civic education as a subject in Mauritius is not prioritized. To uphold democratic ideals for the nation, youth must be engaged citizens. As an agency of political socialization, the school is the most efficient democratic institution in directly teaching students about practical structures of the political system and basic democratic concepts. Based on the survey conducted, 77% of young students agree that school is an effective platform to promote civic education. This research targets secondary school curriculum because by the end of primary education, adolescents go through political psychological enlightenment and they are future voters. The ultimate findings show that the political apathy and the political illiteracy among young Mauritians is due to the unsatisfactory roles of the school in political socializing of youth.

Author

• Sheetal Sheena Sookrajowa, University of Mauritius