NEWSLETTER THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION...ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL:

ESU MAURITIUS – 6TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, P ORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: esumauritius.org

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NEWSLETTER

THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

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

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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.

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 Alzheimer’s 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 year’s 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.

Dear ESU Members,

The President and Members of the Executive Committee of the English-Speaking 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

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 Finalists of the scrabble tournament posing with ESU President, Mr Prem Burton

Two players concentrating on their game in the preliminaries

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!


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THE 17TH ANNUAL DINNER OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING 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 “President’s Fund for Creative Writing”, Dr Vinod Nundloll, President of Rotary Club, Vacoas and Members and guests of the ESU.

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 Marie-France 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.

Mr Mookhesswur Choonee then addressed the guests. His speech was focussed on the importance of English as a global language.

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 Parama’s love for the English language.

“… Every word has its worth In the words of Wordsworth…”

There was also a moving moment when Prof Serge Rivière, Member of the Executive Committee of the ESU, paid a vibrant tribute to the former Vice-President 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:

Creating global understanding through English


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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.

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.

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.”

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.

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 Embassy’s Professional Trainer at the end of November.

We seize this opportunity to convey our thanks and gratitude to

Ambassador Shari Villarosa.

ESU President, Mr Prem Burton with Dr Vinod Nundloll and some guests

Our Patron, Sir Victor Glover, with Prof Serge Rivière & Mrs Rivière



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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.

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:

- 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 ESU-London’s website : www.esu.org

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN GENOA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 2014

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.

ESU’s 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.

Mrs Marie.France Roussety addressing the guests at the

Annual Dinner

Mrs Roussety at the International Council Meeting


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

We would like to convey our warmest thanks and gratitude to all our Sponsors and well-wishers 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.


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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 koomar’s 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). 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Debrief Sessions



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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”.

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 teacher’s 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.


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.

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…”

The US Embassy reported that participants were very happy with the training sessions as evidenced by the many good comments on their feedback forms.

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.


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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.

THE 2014 / 2015 E-TEACHER PROGRAMME

ESU carried out interviews and nominated twelve teachers for the 2014 / 2015 online development programmes.

• Marie Anouchka Poché-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.


Mrs Jennifer Ramdonee of College du St Esprit Course name: “Building Teaching Skills through the Interactive Web”

Ms Veronique Koa Wing of Loreto College Curepipe Course name: “Special Education & Differentiated Instruction in an EFL Context”

Mrs Ancy Leste-Nynan of St Mary’s West College Course name: “Critical Thinking in Language Learning and Teaching Curriculum”

Mrs Marie Catherine Kishtoo of College du St Esprit Rivière 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.”


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THE E-TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP EXCHANGE PROGRAMME RUN BY THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON – OCT / NOV 2014

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.

“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 on-line 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 “THE THREE-WEEK STAY IN THE USA

WAS INDEED MEMORABLE… A ONCE IN A LIFETIME

EXPERIENCE… “

NEWS FROM ESU MEMBERS


ESU was invited to the launching of Ms Souvidha Baungally’s 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.

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 “PRESIDENT’S FUND FOR CREATIVE WRITING”.

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…”

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 English-Speaking 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.

IMPROVING FLUENCY IN ENGLISH – A TRAINING PROGRAMME RUN BY THE ESU

The programme was carried out by Mr Barlen Vyapoory for teachers at L’Association des Parents d’Enfants aux Besoins Spéciaux (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.

Documents

NEWSLETTER THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION...ESU MAURITIUS – 6 TH FLOOR, KEN LEE BUILDING, 20 EDITH CAVELL STREET, PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS TEL: (230) 208-8591 FAX: (230) 213 6543 EMAIL: