Mauritius to transform its science centre into a planetarium

Source: APA

Mauritius to transform its science centre into a planetarium

APA - Port Louis (Mauritius) Three years after its inception, the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in Bel Village in the outskirts of Port Louis, the Mauritius capital, will soon be equipped with a 120-seat planetarium, APA learns here Friday.

Meeting the press at the Centre on Friday morning, Anand Kumar Maulloo, the director told journalists that an agreement is scheduled to be signed in February between the Mauritius government and the Indian National Council of Science Museums for the setting up of the project, a first in the Indian Ocean.

Maulloo indicated that the planetarium, which will be covered by a dome, will be equipped with a projector which will allow the representation of stars, the sun, the moon, the constellations and the Milky Way, with a sound system accompanying the simulation. Additionally, he said the building will also house exhibitions on astronomy and astrophysics, adding that the costs of the project and the training of the personnel will be met by the Indian government.

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Mauritius to introduce new educational measures for 2008

Source: Africa Press Agency

APA - Port Louis (Mauritius) The Mauritius government Monday announced plans to install new computers in all primary schools of the country, according to the minister of Education Dharam Gokhool during a press briefing in Port Louis, the capital. Minister Dharam Gokhool announced a series of measures for 2008 as part of the government’s programme to assure a world class education for Mauritian children. He further indicated that in line with the “Bridging the Gap Project”, which will encourage a smooth transition between the pre-primary and primary schools, new pedagogical materials for activity based, child centred learning will be used as from 2008 coupled with a special training of all teachers of beginners in primary schools. The minister added that all primary schools will next year be equipped with at least 10 new computers depending on the size of the school. He said the school will also be equipped with two printers and a new information technology syllabus. The minister also announced the setting up of the Mediatheque project in schools to support teaching and learning via audiovisual support. He also talked about the implementation of class libraries in primary schools so that each class will have its own library in addition to the school library. He added that book clubs will be set up in secondary schools and colleges to promote a reading culture among students. “All secondary school libraries will be computerised as from next January,” he indicated. Gokhool pointed out that the state will in the coming year implement a policy and strategy document on Special Education Needs, including the implementation of Remedial Education and the Continuous Training of Teachers Programme as well as the strengthening of social welfare services, support and benefits to underprivileged children.

SR/daj/APA

2007-12-24