What You Need to Know
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre and JSS Academy of Higher Education to enhance collaboration in STEM fields. The initiative aims to strengthen education, research, and innovation, with a focus on engaging young people in these critical disciplines. Minister Sukon emphasized the importance of STEM for economic growth and sustainable development.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to strengthen public and private collaboration in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), was signed between the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) and the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, today at the RGSC in Bell Village.
The Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sukon; the Director of the RGSC, Dr Aman Kumar Maulloo; the Chairperson of the Board of the RGSC Trust Fund, Mr Partish Chumroo; and the Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chancellor of the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Professor Praveen Mohadeb, were present at the signing ceremony.
A mini-exhibition was also organised by students of the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mauritius, showcasing areas such as healthcare, pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical research.
In his address, Minister Sukon reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening STEM education, build meaningful partnerships and develop a conducive research and innovation ecosystem that is both globally connected and locally relevant. “We are not only investing in infrastructure, but in people, in ideas and in the future of our nation”, he said.
He indicated that STEM are no longer peripheral disciplines but are at the core of economic growth, innovation ecosystems and sustainable development. He stressed the need to encourage more and more young people to opt for STEM research development and innovation that can have a defining role on the economy.
With regard to the MoU, Dr Sukon stated that it provides a framework to enable teachers to adopt more engaging and inquiry-based approaches to science education, enhance public engagement with science and create opportunities for collaborative research and innovation. He also stressed the importance of maintaining strong, forward-looking partnerships.
For his part, Dr Maulloo pointed out that the partnership will support capacity building, raise awareness in science and technology and boost research initiative.
As for Professor Mohadeb, he reiterated the institution’s commitment to quality education and training, noting that the collaboration will open new opportunities for both organisations.
The emphasis on STEM education has grown globally, reflecting the increasing recognition of its role in driving economic growth and innovation. In Mauritius, the government has been actively promoting STEM initiatives to prepare the workforce for a rapidly changing job market. The signing of this MoU marks a significant step in fostering partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector, aiming to create a robust ecosystem for research and development in the country. Such collaborations are essential for enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills for future challenges.
