NEWSLETTER

THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Mauritius Branch
Creating global understanding through English - Issue No. 41 Dec 2014

Dear ESU Members,

The President and Members of the
Executive Committee of the EnglishSpeaking Union wish you a very
happy and successful New Year.
We hope that the New Year will
fill your home with everlasting
happiness and peace, success in
everything you undertake and
prosperity for you and your family.
Best Wishes

ESU LAUNCHES THE FIRST EDITION OF A

SCRABBLE TOURNAMENT
The ESU once more innovated this year by
organising a scrabble tournament meant for
adults at the Gymkhana Club, Vacoas. On the 5th
of December 2014, sixteen participants took part
in the preliminaries, following which eight
participants qualified for the semi-finals. On
Friday 12th December, the four finalists, Mrs Devi
Bundhoo, Ms Anoushka Ramsaran, Mr Sarvadian
Dabee and Mr Trahny Rengenchetty competed in
the Final round.
Following an exciting game, Mrs Devi Bundhoo scored the highest marks and
was declared the Winner of the first edition of the scrabble tournament. Ms
Anoushka Ramsaran came second followed by Mr Dabee and Mr Rengenchetty.
All finalists received prizes (cash vouchers from a bookstore) from the ESU.

Inside this issue

Page
ESU Annual Dinner...... 2-3
ESU Intl Council Meeting ... 4
SUSI 2014.. 5-6
Professional Development
Workshop. 6
Public Speaking & Spelling
Bee Competition 2015. 6
E-Teacher Scholarship
Programmes ... .. .. 7-8
News from ESU Members 8
APEBS (Training) .. 8
The President, Members of the
Executive Committee and Staff of
ESU-Mauritius pay tribute to
Late Parama Veeragoo,
our former Vice-President,
who sadly left us in August 2014.
Parama was unstinting in his
support of the ESU and
generous with his time and talents.
He will be sorely missed and
always remembered!

The idea of launching the scrabble game came from ESU President, Mr Prem
Burton, who had had a few scrabble games while he was on holiday in the UK.
Some time later, he came across an article in a daily entitled Brain training
helps older adults stay sharp for years with a picture of a scrabble board and
tiles, as an illustration. This article focussed on brain exercises involving speed,
memory and reasoning, all of which are provided by a scrabble game.
Besides, it is an excellent and fun way to help us enrich our vocabulary,
exercise the mind and keep away dementia and the Alzheimers disease.
The scrabble tournament was therefore launched on a pilot basis, with the
support and encouragement of Dr Vinod Nundloll, President of the Rotary Club
Vacoas, and it proved to be a success and an enriching experience. ESU is
pleased to announce that the tournament will be open to a larger number of
.
participants
next year
This years tournament was sponsored by GlobalSports Ltd of the Gujadhur
family, to whom ESU conveys its warmest thanks.
We also wish to thank the organizing committee and all participants for
showing interest in the scrabble game. A special thanks to our Supervisors
namely Messrs Prem Burton, Rajen Gangoosingh, Barlen Vyapoory and Mrs
Meena Seetulsing, one of the Founder members of the ESU who very kindly
volunteered to assist us.

The Finalists of the scrabble tournament

posing with ESU President, Mr Prem Burton

Two players concentrating on their

game in the preliminaries

ESU MAURITIUS 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: esumau@intnet.mu Web: esumauritius.org

Creating global understanding through English

THE 17TH ANNUAL DINNER OF THE ENGLISHSPEAKING UNION

Some 75 Members and guests attended the annual dinner
of the English-Speaking Union on Friday 14th November
2014, at the Gymkhana Club, Vacoas.
The evening was graced by the presence of Mr
Mookhesswur Chonee, GOSK, former Minister of Arts &
Culture. Other personalities present included Sir Victor
Glover, Kt GOSK, Patron of the ESU, His Excellency
Jonathan Drew, British High Commissioner, Her Excellency
Shari Villarosa, Ambassador of the United States of
America, Mr Tris Bartlett, Director of the British Council,
Lady Padma Ghurburrun, Mrs Anitah Aujayeb, President
of the Presidents Fund for Creative Writing, Dr Vinod
Nundloll, President of Rotary Club, Vacoas and Members
and guests of the ESU.

Mr Mookhesswur Choonee then addressed the guests. His

speech was focussed on the importance of English as a
global language.
There was also a moving
moment when Prof Serge
Rivire, Member of the
Executive Committee of the
ESU, paid a vibrant tribute
to the former VicePresident of the ESU, late
Parama Veeraragoo who
passed away in August
2014. His love for the
English Language had led
him to compose a very
touching poem entitled
Words which ends as
follows:

Every word has its worth

In the words of Wordsworth

Lady Ginette Glover, Mr Rajen Gangoosingh,

Mrs Marie-France Roussety, Mr Mookhesswur Choonee,
Mr Prem Burton, Lady Padma Ghurburrun & Sir Victor Glover.

H.E. Jonathan Drew, British High Commissioner,

H.E. Shari Villarosa, US Ambassador,
Mr Grant Suckling, Mr Tris Bartlet, Director of the British Council,
Prof Serge Riviere & Mrs Lyndsay Ann Riviere,
Dr Vinod Nundloll, President of Rotary Club Vacoas &
Mrs Yajna Ghurburrun

ESU President, Mr Prem Burton, welcomed the guests. His

welcome speech is reproduced hereafter. Mrs MarieFrance Roussety, Vice-President of the ESU was then
invited to give a brief on her participation at the
International Council Meeting of the English-Speaking
Union, held in Genoa, Italy, in September 2014.

We are pleased to reproduce hereunder extracts of the

speech of ESU President, Mr Prem Burton, CSK.

As you know, our annual dinner was meant to be held in

August last. Unfortunately, upon the very sad demise of
our late Vice-President, Mr Parama Veeraragoo, we had
to postpone it. Parama was a very active and efficient
member of the Board of the ESU, and he will be sorely
missed. He was very much looking forward to attending
our dinner scheduled in August last and to sharing with
you a poem entitled Words which he had composed.
We have asked Prof Serge Riviere to read it to you, as a
recognition of Paramas love for the English language.

ESU MAURITIUS 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: esumau@intnet.mu Web: esumauritius.org

Creating global understanding through English

2014 has been a very eventful year for the ESU! The
highlight was undoubtedly the Finals of the Public
Speaking Competition which were held in the studio of the
MBC a premiere for the ESU! We wanted to use this
new platform to reach out to a larger audience. We
were happy that our target was attained as the event
was amply covered in the MBC News. The competition
was broadcast twice on television.

Our participants generally do well in the

International Public Speaking Competition. Some of
you will remember that Sebastien Ng Kuet Leong,
representing Mauritius had won the Competition
held in London, in 2009. On several occasions, our
National Winners have reached the Finals. This
year, our National winner competed against the
cream of some 55 countries and qualified for the
semi-finals.
We have pursued our efforts to promote the English
language through various activities - essay competitions
and storytelling by primary school children in Rodrigues.
This event, which I personally attended, proved to be a
tremendous success and will be hopefully experimented in
Mauritius, zone-wise, in view of the large number of
primary schools involved. Then we had the widely
popular Spelling Bee Competition held this year at the
Gymkhana Club, in this very room, thanks to the support
of Dr Vinod Nundloll, President of Rotary Club Vacoas.
He has expressed the wish that we run jointly a Spelling
Bee Competition for Adults as from next year. This will
be given due consideration. Last year, in my speech, I
mentioned my intention of launching a scrabble
tournament. I am pleased to inform you that this is being
organized in December. I wish here to place on record
the support given to ESU by Dr Vinod Burton from
Rotherham, UK, in making this event possible.
With the support of the Ministry of Education, ESU now
celebrates the English Language Day, on the 23rd of April
of each year which is the International English Language
Day as declared by the United Nations a date that
coincides with the birth date of William Shakespeare. A
message from the ESU on the importance of the English
Language is delivered to all schools and is read out at
school assemblies. We have encouraged schools to run
activities using the English language as a medium of
communication, not only on that day, but at all times.
Many schools have responded positively. We intend to
involve primary school pupils as well, as from next year.
Our efforts to upgrade teachers of English, both locally
and overseas, have been successful, thanks to our
partnership with the US Embassy.
The E-Teacher
Professional Programme is now a yearly event, which
allows some 10 teachers to follow online courses with
American Universities.

Mrs Reshma Koomar, Lecturer at the M.I.E and Mrs

Jennifer Ramdonee, Educator at College du St
Esprit, were able to travel to the US for further
training. Besides, some 68 English teachers will
attend workshops run by the US Embassys
Professional Trainer at the end of November.
We seize this opportunity to convey our thanks
and gratitude to
Ambassador Shari Villarosa.
As you know, the ESU is an independent international
organization, with more than 55 branches across the
world. It is a Corporate body set up by an Act of
Parliament 21 years ago, and not a para-statal body as
other Speaking Unions created later. It does receive a
grant from the government, but it also generates funds
from other sources; membership fees and donations from
various Corporates. We work closely with all our partners
and fully cooperate with the Ministry of Arts and Culture.
We want to place on record here the unflinching efforts
of Minister Choonee in efficiently promoting all the
languages and cultures of this country and in supporting
the ESU in its mission.
I am happy that this year ESU-Mauritius was present at
the International Council Meeting held in September last,
in Genoa, Italy. I have asked Mrs Marie-France Roussety,
Vice-President of the ESU, to say a few words to you on
her participation therein.
Finally, I should like to thank all our members for their
continued support and dedication to the ESU.

ESU President, Mr Prem Burton with Dr Vinod

Nundloll and some guests

Our Patron, Sir Victor Glover, with Prof Serge Rivire

& Mrs Rivire

ESU MAURITIUS 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
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Creating global understanding through English

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN GENOA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 2014

Our Vice-President, Mrs Marie-France Roussety, represented ESU-Mauritius at the
International Council Meeting (ICM) held in Genoa, Italy - the birthplace of Christopher
Columbus - in September 2014.
This meeting, held annually, allows all Presidents and/or Vice-Presidents of ESUs across
the world to meet and discuss ideas for programmes and charitable activities,
collaborate on projects, discuss a variety of topics, work towards strengthening and
expanding the international network and ratifying new ESUs. In that instance, ESU Italy
was launched at the University of Genoa, in the presence of some 50 delegates and
guests from countries such as Italy, UK, US, Canada, France, Denmark, Australia, Hong
Kong, Romania, Finland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Yemen, Portugal, Ukraine, Georgia,
Russia, Spain, Turkey, Latvia, Japan, Albania, Bulgaria and, of course, Mauritius.
Mrs Marie.France Roussety
addressing the guests at the
Annual Dinner

The English-Speaking Union is currently proposing a new constitution and its contents
were thoroughly debated at the International Council Meeting. Delegates present at the
Council meeting reaffirmed that the aims of the ESU are:
-

Mrs Roussety at the International

Council Meeting

To strengthen friendly relations among all ESUs and to foster mutual respect for
their heritage, traditions and aspirations, by the interchange of persons, knowledge
and ideas.
To develop throughout the ESUs an awareness of the events and issues of the day;
To further understanding and friendship with other countries where this can be made
more complete by the use of English as a shared language.

ESU-London is launching a major new international creative writing competition, My

Magna Carta for 11-18 years olds to help celebrate the 800th anniversary of the
sealing of the Magna Carta. Further details on this project will be available on ESULondons website : www.esu.org

History of the ESU : The ESU is an international education charity that is established in 55 countries worldwide. The ESU
was first established in 1918 through the efforts of Sir Evelyn Wrench. One of its first Chairmen was Winston Churchill who
had served the ESU from 1921 to 1926. In 1957, ESU received a Royal Charter, with Queen Elizabeth II as the Royal
Patron. The Princess Royal was appointed as the President of the ESU in 2013, taking over from her father Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh, who had served from 1952 to 2012. ESU headquarters are sited at Dartmouth House, Mayfair,
London.
In Mauritius, ESU was enacted by the Parliament of Mauritius upon the initiative of Late Sir Rabindranath Ghurburrun who
was then Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius. He became the first Patron of ESU-Mauritius until his demise in 2008.
Sir Victor Glover was the President of ESU-Mauritius since its inception until 2008 when he became our Patron.
ESUs commitment is to create Global Understanding and to promote human achievement through the worldwide use of the
English language. We aim at (i) encouraging the enjoyment and constructive use of English through a series of educational
programmes, (ii) initiating and administering National and International youth exchange (iii) Focusing on key current affairs
issues through international conferences, seminars and meetings, (iv) providing and creating cultural activities and (v) making
full use of the enthusiasm and support of our members.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
We would like to convey our warmest thanks and gratitude to all our Sponsors and wellwishers for their continuing generosity in funding our activities.
Thank you to all our members and volunteers who have ensured that our activities are run
successfully. Their commitment and enthusiasm are limitless and we are immensely grateful.
We rely on their support once again for the forthcoming activities.
Special thanks to Messrs Sanjit Teelock and Barlen Vyapoory, our Masters of Ceremonies.
We are indeed very grateful to them both.
We look forward to starting the New Year with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
ESU MAURITIUS 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: esumau@intnet.mu Web: esumauritius.org

Creating global understanding through English

The Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars

and Secondary Educators (SUSI 2014) June 4 to July
10, 2014
From the 168 applicants worldwide, nineteen were
selected to take part in the SUSI 2014 programme.
Mauritius was represented by Mrs Reshma Koomar,
lecturer at the MIE and member of the ESU. The theme
was Exploring Access and Equity in U.S Education and
Society. Hereunder are extracts of Mrs koomars report
which gives a comprehensive understanding of what the
programme is about:
Background Information : The study tour comprised
visits to sites and institutions in Chico, Sacramento and San
Francisco in California, Chicago and Washington D.C.
The focus of this highly academic program was on
immigration, education and civic engagement. The host
university was California State University, Chico (CSU,
Chico).

Professional Development : This program allowed

me to deepen my understanding of the past and
present American society, education and culture. It
also increased my knowledge on people in the US
and their way of life. Although the program was
highly academically-intensive with a number of
seminars, the whole experience was very enriching
and helped me have a deeper insight into the
educational system in the U.S and its curriculum.
Topics of lectures/seminars : The lectures and seminars
were conducted by CSU Chico university professors,
education professionals and community leaders.
Contemporary issues of access and equity in public
education were discussed and examined. Some lectures
focused on an overview on U.S education and society and
provided an introduction to the historical and current
trends and issues of access and equity, immigration and
civic engagement. Service Learning was an interesting
concept that was introduced in a lecture. This lecture
focused on how Service Learning encourages democratic
education and supports alternative learning styles.

Site Visits : The site visits in Chico, Sacramento, San

Francisco, Chicago and Washington D.C reinforced the
lessons learnt during the academic seminars/lectures.
Visits to the different types of schools e.g an alternative
high school, a middle school, a charter high school,
provided a better understanding of the curriculum of
these schools and how they function.
Host Family : I had the chance of spending a day with
a host family in Chico. This experience was absolutely
wonderful as it helped me learn more about what it was
like to be in an American family. It was an opportunity
to share our stories from our countries and our way of
life
Debriefs : Following every seminar, lecture or site visit,
participants had to engage in debrief sessions which
demanded active reflection and discussion which
contributed to overall learning.

Debrief Sessions

Research opportunities : Guided Independent Research

was a component of this program that allowed the
participants to work in small groups on a topic of
research in education. I worked with three participants
from Myanmar, France and Georgia. The topic chosen
was Adopting Reflective Practice as a tool for Teacher
Professional Development, a pertinent topic for research
as the four of us in the group were involved in Teacher
Education in our respective countries. Some of the SUSI
2014 participants and I will continue our research work
and publish papers/articles together.

A lecture on types of alternative education provided a

platform for discussion on alternative education options in
the U.S including home-schooling, continuing education
and faith-based schooling. Teaching for democracy and
increasing access and equity in the classroom using
democratic teaching methods was also an interesting
lecture topic. Lectures on perspectives in gender and
schooling, special education and bilingual education were
also very well received by the participants.

Future Avenues/Scopes : Not only did this program

deepen my knowledge on U.S education, culture and
society but it also provided me with new ideas to develop
the curriculum in Mauritius. Concepts like civic engagement
and service learning could be embedded in the Mauritian
curriculum. Having been on this program, I am now part
of the alumni and I am now a resource person to be able
to create a multiplier effect and share what I have learnt.

A lecture on student cultural resources gave new insight

into how teachers can use them in the classroom. Seminars
were held during site visits with resource persons from
various associations and institutions, including the U.S
Department of Education and U.S Department of State.

I am now aware of the professional development

opportunities provided by the U.S department of
state and hence I can share the information with
colleagues, teachers and students.

ESU MAURITIUS 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: esumau@intnet.mu Web: esumauritius.org

Creating global understanding through English

The Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars

and Secondary Educators (SUSI 2014) ( Cont)
This program has opened avenues for networking and
international exchange with other countries. Furthermore,
as a member of the Alumni, there are opportunities to
build a team of at least 5 alumni members from different
countries and get funding from Alumni Engagement
Innovation Fund (AEIF) for educational projects.
With new contacts established in various institutions, much
help can be obtained in developing the curriculum and
projects that are non-existent in the Mauritian educational
system based on those in the U.S.
Conclusion : This program was conducted in a highly
professional way and I cannot deny the fact that it gave
me a lot of lessons to take back to Mauritius. All the
necessary support and advice were given so as to make
our stay and learning more pleasant. The SUSI 2014
program has been enriching in terms of opportunities for
learning and sharing. I am now hoping that opportunities
arise for me to share my experiences, develop new
concepts and projects that could be part of the curriculum
in Mauritius based on those learnt in the U.S and use the
lessons that I have taken back home.

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2015

The Public Speaking Competition (PSC) starts on
Thursday 29/1/15 with the heat at Northfield
International High School. All participants will be
invited to attend workshops at various stages of the
competition to help them improve their public speaking
skills. The date of the Finals and the venue have not
been finalised yet. Members who would like to attend
are invited to contact the office of the ESU for more
information.
Participants are allowed a free choice of subject for the
heats. However, the theme To be ignorant of the Past is
to remain a child has been chosen by ESU-London for
the Finals in all branches of the ESU across the world.
We convey our warmest thanks to all members who
have volunteered to help us.
SPELLING BEE COMPETITION - 2015
The Spelling Bee Competition will start on Thursday 30th
April 2015. The date and venue of the Finals are to be
confirmed. Members who would like to assist us as
Pronouncer or Judges, are kindly requested to contact
us at the earliest. We thank you for your continued
support.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS RUN BY THE
US EMBASSY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ESU
November 2014 : Some 68 teachers attended the
workshops run by Mrs Barbara Trimpi, a professional
trainer with extensive experience in the training of
teachers worldwide. The aim of the workshops was to
provide informative teacher-training on a variety of
topics, including:(i)
The Student-Centered Classroom Steps for
adopting a more student-centered teaching approach
including techniques for classroom management, how to
set up activities that foster student collaboration,
managing pair and group-work and analyzing the
teachers role in the classroom.
(ii)
Managing Mixed Ability Classes Techniques for
teaching classes of students who are at different levels,
ideals for grading materials to enable all students to
progress; how to keep faster students challenged while
enabling weaker students to catch up.
(iii)
Testing and Assessment A look at tests, and the
concepts of validity and reliability. The pros and cons of
assessment-focused curriculums and analysis of the
positive and negative effects tests can have on students.
A look at good and bad tests and analysis of
elements of successful rubrics and grading criteria to help
teachers design better tests. Role of informal assessment
and dynamic assessments in the classroom.
The US Embassy
reported
that
participants were
very happy with
the
training
sessions
as
evidenced by the
many
good
comments on their
feedback forms.
Comments from Mrs Aruna Gobin-Beedassy : I would like
to thank the ESU and the US Embassy wholeheartedly for
yet another very enriching workshop. I came back with
plenty of useful resources and helpful ideas and tips to use
in my teaching
NEWS FROM ESU BRISTOL BRANCH
ESU Bristol celebrated its 75th anniversary in November
2014. A commemorative book of messages was offered to
them with messages from all international ESUs.
The President of ESU-Mauritius, Mr Prem Burton, sent our
warmest congratulations to ESU Bristol on this happy
occasion and wished them continued success.

ESU MAURITIUS 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: esumau@intnet.mu Web: esumauritius.org

Creating global understanding through English

THE E-TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME RUN BY

THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
The E-Teacher Scholarship Programme aims at improving
the quality of English language teaching throughout the
world. It offers English language Educators the
opportunity to complete a university-level online
professional development course. University of Oregon
administers the current program. Funded by the US
Department of State, the Scholarships cover tuition and
course materials. Participants use online tools to
participate in discussion boards and complete assignments.
Twenty six participants worldwide are selected annually
to attend a 3-week professional development workshop
in the US. Mrs Jennifer Ramdonee, a teacher from
College du St Esprit was chosen to attend this workshop
(please refer to page 8)
A Certificate Award Ceremony was organized by the
ESU on Monday 15th December 2014 at the British
Council, Rose-Hill, for teachers who followed the
2013/2014 on-line programme.
The following Educators received their Certificates from
Mrs Kathleeen Fox, Public Affairs Officer of the US
Embassy.
Mrs Jennifer
Ramdonee of
College du St
Esprit
Course name:
Building Teaching
Skills through the
Interactive Web

Mrs Marie
Catherine
Kishtoo of
College du St
Esprit Rivire
Noire
Course name:
Teaching English
to Pre-Teens and
Teens
Ashish Kumar
Balgobin of New
Eton College
Course name:
Introduction to
Pedagogy and
practices for Teaching
English to speakers of
other languages
E-TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
Mr Ashish Balgobin sent us the following comments:
This is to inform you that I have successfully
completed my 10-week programme. That was the
most enriching experience I have been enriched
tenfold. Please send my greatest appreciation to
members of the ESU panel for nominating me, and
thank you to the US Embassy for giving us such a
great opportunity.
THE 2014 / 2015 E-TEACHER PROGRAMME
ESU carried out interviews and nominated twelve teachers
for the 2014 / 2015 online development programmes.

Ms Veronique Koa
Wing of Loreto
College Curepipe
Course name:
Special Education
& Differentiated
Instruction in an EFL
Context
Mrs Ancy LesteNynan of St
Marys West
College
Course name:
Critical Thinking in
Language Learning
and Teaching
Curriculum

Marie Anouchka Poch-Collard of Grande Montagne

College
Mrs Priyadarshini Ramlugon of Forest Side SSS (Girls)
Mrs Vijayaluxmi Naralloo of Hindu Girls' College
Ms Zeenat Bibi Fugurally of Royal College Curepipe
Mr Jhashketu Ayrga of Forest Side SSS (Boys)
Mrs Jany Aujayeb-Bissondoyal of Royal College
Curepipe
Ms Cassandra Naidu of MGSS Solferino
Mr Ali Asgar Purdasy of Universal College
Mr David Nicholas Geffroy of College du St Esprit
Riviere Noire
Mrs Shobha Beeharry-Panray of Sharma Jugdambi
SSS
Mr Rameshwar Rao Maloo of Mahatma Gandhi State
School, Moka
Mrs Kobita Kumari Jugnauth of Gaetan Raynal State
College.

ESU MAURITIUS 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: esumau@intnet.mu Web: esumauritius.org

Creating global understanding through English

THE E-TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WORKSHOP EXCHANGE PROGRAMME RUN BY THE
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON OCT / NOV 2014

NEWS FROM ESU MEMBERS

In our last newsletter, we had informed you that Mrs

Jennifer Ramdonee of College du St Esprit had been
chosen on the basis of her outstanding performance in
the E-Teacher Scholarship Programme to join some 24
educators for further training in the US, all expenses
paid by the US Embassy.

CONGRATULATIONS
TO MRS ANITAH AUJAYEB WHO HAS RECENTLY
COMPLETED HER PHD IN ENGLISH.
MRS AUJAYEB IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE ESU
AND ALSO THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE
PRESIDENTS FUND FOR CREATIVE WRITING.

THE THREE-WEEK
STAY IN THE USA
WAS INDEED
MEMORABLE A
ONCE IN A LIFETIME
EXPERIENCE

I had the opportunity to meet some 24 Educators from

various countries across the world. The three weeks were
very intensive as our Trainers, Dr Deborah Healy and Dr
Donna Shaw, had so much to share... The course ended
with a project (a 2-hour workshop and a presentation of
our project) which was webcast live. I would certainly
encourage all English Teachers to participate in the online programme as E-Teaching is becoming part and
parcel of our job, and may be they too would have the
opportunity to travel to the USA. I am now waiting for my
Teacher Trainer Certificate which will be issued by the
University of Oregon.

In class

ESU was invited to the launching of Ms Souvidha

Baungallys first book Dodo Sega on 26th November
2014 at Modern College.
We would like to
congratulate Ms Baungally for her initiative and wish
her plenty of success in her future endeavours.

Book launched by Mr Suren Dayal, former Minister of

Social Integration & Economic Empowerment & also
Minister of Education in November 2014

HUBERT H. HUMPHREY FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Ms Brinda Hurnauth, member of the ESU, sent us the
following message: I am pleased to inform you that I
am currently in US as I was offered the Hubert H.
Humphrey Fellowship scholarship The ESU has been a
great medium through which I learned about this
scholarship and was able to send my application. So,
thank you to the ESU

IMPROVING FLUENCY IN ENGLISH A TRAINING PROGRAMME RUN

BY THE ESU
The programme was carried out by Mr Barlen Vyapoory for teachers at
LAssociation des Parents dEnfants aux Besoins Spciaux (APEBS), over a
period of eight weeks consisting of eight 2-hourly sessions to allow
sufficient practice, evaluation and ensuing improvement and achievement.
Benefits of the Programme : Teachers developed their confidence to
express themselves in English. They improved their vocabulary for
conversing and conducting classes in English, acquired skills to prepare and
use visual aids to teach English to children, learned and practised songs in
English to subsequently teach same to pupils and acquired skills for story
telling in class.

114TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SSR

The Ministry of Arts & Culture addressed a
letter to the ESU in which they placed on
record the valuable support and contribution of
Mr Barlen Vyapoory, Secretary of the EnglishSpeaking Union, for the success of the Official
Wreath Laying Ceremony and Cultural
Programme at Kewal Nagar on 18th
September 2014.
Mr Vyapoory read extracts of poems of T.S.
Elliot, a favourite author of Sir S. Ramgoolam.

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TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: esumau@intnet.mu Web: esumauritius.org