Africa-Press – Mauritius. A ceremony was held, yesterday at the World Hindi Secretariat in Phoenix, to reward the two winning schools, namely Hamilton College Girls and Souillac RCA, in the categories “Film for Peace” and “Game for Peace” respectively, who had participated in the 2nd edition of the audiovisual contest “PAIX France Television/ UNESCO 2019/2020” organised by France Televisions in collaboration with UNESCO.
This UNESCO Peace Competition comprised three categories, notably “Sing for Peace” (Secondary schools); “Film for Peace” (Secondary schools); and “Game for Peace” (Primary schools).
Eight Member States had been invited to participate in the contest, namely Belgium, China, Lebanon, Benin, Poland, India, France and Mauritius. Following a selection exercise in Mauritius, seven Art works were submitted to France Television.
All the seven arts works were retained for the finals and Mauritius won two first prizes in two categories. During the award ceremony, all finalists have been awarded a certificate.
The two winners, namely Souillac RCA and Hamilton College Girls, have also received a prize of Rs 10,000 each from Mauritius Film Development Corporation as well as books, games, and video camera, amongst others.
The Secretary-General of the Mauritius National Commission for UNESCO, Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah, who intervened on behalf of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, highlighted that the competition has been timely in bringing a complete and balanced perspective to pupils at all levels adding that it also provided the right platform for students to work collaboratively with their peers and with the community.
She expressed satisfaction that the Art works submitted in the different categories demonstrate the creativity of students around a common theme “Peace”.
Through singing, short movies and play, this competition has enabled our students to demonstrate their talents and showcase our rainbow nation at international level, she stated. She remarked that educational reform rests on a wide spectrum of learning experiences and on holistic education.
“At both Primary and Secondary levels, we have set up a well-balanced and comprehensive curriculum comprising of core and non-core learning areas, along with extra-curricular activities to contribute to the overall development of every child”, she said.
According to her, students who are involved in extracurricular activities experience higher levels of academic achievement, and develop leadership skills and self-confidence.
Speaking about peace, Mrs Ghoorah underlined that it is an important aspect for the elaboration and attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. She highlighted that Goal 16 indicates how the international community must come together to promote and protect peace.
To that end, she recalled that the Ministry has ensured that the Global Citizenship Education is being infused in the Curriculum, in teacher training, and ultimately in assessments.
This shows the commitment of Mauritius to fully align itself with the Global Community with a view of fostering a peaceful, just and inclusive Mauritian society which is free from fear and violence, she added.
Mrs Ghoorah further stated that Government is firmly committed to education towards the national policy for the reinforcement of culture and civic education and citizenship and is committed to the principles of freedom and democracy in order to solve the problems of society.
“We want all our students to be able to understand, participate in and reconnect with democratic values, those of living together, respecting the rights and duties, principles and values that define our Republic.
The objectives of education for peace can only be truly achieved if young students adopt values such as peace, non-violence, dialogue, and the culture of excellence”, she said.
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