色花堂

What motivated you to create your own schools, even though the west of Mauritius already has several?

From the start of my career in education, I've believed that the traditional school system doesn't work for every child. That belief became even more personal when I became a mother. Watching my own children lose their enthusiasm for learning鈥攂urdened by rigid expectations, heavy homework loads, and constant pressure鈥攄eeply resonated with me.

I've always held a strong conviction: one day, I would create a school that aligned with my values. A place where kindness and firmness could exist in harmony, guided by the principles of Positive Discipline.

When I moved to Mauritius in 2017, I quickly realized that schools offering alternative educational approaches were scarce. Conversations with other parents confirmed that I wasn't alone in this observation. So, I took a leap of faith.

In September 2018, La Maison des Enfants opened its doors鈥攚ith one educator, one assistant, and just one child.

Two years later, our community had grown to 15 children. Today, despite many challenges鈥攊ncluding those brought on by the pandemic鈥攚e now welcome 80 children across our two schools and daycare. We are supported by a team of 17 passionate and dedicated professionals, all driven by a shared commitment to respectful, child-centered education.

Can you describe the kind of education you offer in your schools and daycare?

Children's education is my true passion. I am deeply convinced that a respectful, nurturing environment is essential to their development鈥攅specially between the ages of 0 and 6, a critical period for brain growth. Neuroscience confirms what instinct tells us: love, attention, and tenderness lay the groundwork for autonomy, focus, and self-confidence.

A happy child is capable of learning anything.

At our schools, each child is encouraged to grow and learn at their own rhythm, within a safe and stimulating setting. We place the highest priority on well-being and the joy of learning. Curiosity, emotional literacy, self-respect, empathy, and a love of effort form the foundation of our pedagogy鈥攙alues that help shape the citizens of tomorrow.

In our preschool, for instance, children learn to identify and understand their emotions through color-based activities. Yoga sessions, forest walks, and nature-awareness exercises are also part of our weekly routines, helping children connect with their bodies and the natural world around them. Health education begins early, with age-appropriate discussions about nutrition, sleep, and breathing.

But education doesn't stop with the child. We invest heavily in training our educators to embody patience, respect, and strong emotional intelligence. We also engage with parents through regular meetings, recognizing that the home environment plays a vital role in a child's development. An important part of these discussions involves raising awareness about screen time and its impact on young children's growth.

I'm proud to add that our schools are also open to children from underprivileged backgrounds, thanks to the support of partner NGOs. Their progress has been truly inspiring and reaffirms our belief in the power of inclusive, respectful education.

What does a typical day at your elementary school look like?

Our classes are intentionally small鈥攅ach group includes just 12 to 15 students鈥攁llowing for personalized attention and differentiated teaching tailored to each child's needs.

The morning schedule focuses on core subjects: French, English, and Mathematics, taught in 45-minute sessions. These are interspersed with short play breaks, giving children time to move, reset, and return to learning with renewed energy. We do not use standardized textbooks or traditional graded assessments. In our approach, competition has no place. Instead, children learn through games, interactive workshops, and hands-on projects that make learning meaningful and joyful.

Afternoons are devoted to exploration and discovery. Children engage in various activities鈥攆rom science experiments and introductions to philosophy to guided debates that encourage critical thinking. When conflicts arise, children are empowered to resolve them with the compassionate support of educators, fostering autonomy and mutual respect.

Sports and the arts are given equal importance alongside academics. Weekly yoga sessions and breathing exercises are especially popular with the children and contribute to their overall well-being.

And importantly: there are no screens in our schools. Each day is a new opportunity to awaken curiosity, nurture self-confidence, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

What is the value of an alternative school like yours?

For me, the most important thing is that a child feels good. When a child feels safe, heard, and respected, they become more open, curious, and ready to learn. At our schools, we make it a priority to recognize and honor each child's individuality. We welcome them exactly as they are, celebrating their unique strengths and personal qualities.

But well-being isn't only for the children. It's just as essential that our educators feel fulfilled in their roles. When teachers feel valued and supported, they bring a positive, uplifting energy to the classroom鈥攆ostering a calm, nurturing atmosphere where everyone can flourish.

Our schools are more than learning spaces. They are communities where both children and adults can thrive, grow, and feel truly at home.

What challenges have you faced in setting up these schools in Mauritius?

When I arrived in Mauritius in 2017, I didn't know anyone, and the administrative procedures were long and often complex. Starting from scratch was daunting鈥攏ot only on a practical level but also in terms of building trust and community.

One of the biggest hurdles was earning parents' confidence, many of whom were unfamiliar with our educational approach. The local school system is deeply rooted in competition, exams, and academic rankings. Presenting an alternative vision鈥攐ne based on cooperation, kindness, and learning without graded assessments or textbooks鈥攚as a real shift in perspective. It takes time, openness, and dialogue for families to understand and embrace such a philosophy.

Another major challenge was assembling a team that truly aligned with these values. Finding educators willing to embrace a new way of teaching鈥攐pen to training, reflection, and change鈥攚as not easy. But I was lucky to meet wonderful individuals who have been with me since the beginning. They've grown tremendously, and their commitment has been a cornerstone of our success.

Equally important is cultivating strong, trusting partnerships with families. Sometimes, the pressure and anxiety of perfectionism鈥攅specially from well-meaning but stressed parents鈥攃an unintentionally affect a child's well-being and ability to learn. This is why we would love to expand our parenting workshops. One thing is clear: for a child to truly thrive, school and family must walk hand in hand.

Can you share some of your schools' success stories?

Our preschool began modestly, but interest from parents quickly grew. Their enthusiasm and trust motivated Caroline Debiesme and me to open a daycare built on the same core values. It was an immediate success. Later, in response to parents' requests and to ensure educational continuity, we expanded further by opening an elementary school.

Today, we're proud to see how well our students transition into more traditional middle schools. They leave us not only with a solid academic foundation, but also with remarkable confidence and emotional maturity鈥攓ualities that are just as vital for lifelong learning and becoming responsible, engaged citizens.

Recently, I was invited to explore the idea of opening a new school in Bel Ombre. While the project is still in its early planning stages, the invitation itself reflects the growing interest in and recognition of our educational model.

I also had the privilege of participating in Mauritius' most recent Education Forum, where I joined key stakeholders to share our journey. It was a meaningful opportunity to advocate for greater awareness and support of alternative pedagogies within the national conversation on education.

What is your perspective on the Mauritian education system? How important was the Education Forum, in your view?

My perspective on today's educational system is clear: meaningful change is urgently needed. The current structure no longer meets the needs of what I call the 鈥渘ew generation of children.鈥�

Society is evolving rapidly. Parents are increasingly overwhelmed and stressed鈥攁nd children absorb this emotional climate. Instead of providing support and stability, the education system too often amplifies the pressure. It remains overly competitive and rigid, offering little of the humanity or space children need to thrive truly.

One of my greatest concerns is the growing use of screens in education. In Mauritius, there's a widespread belief that digital learning is both modern and effective. But the COVID-19 experience proved otherwise. Online classes are not a sustainable solution for young learners. Children don't genuinely learn through a screen鈥攖hey endure it.

Equally troubling is the lack of support for children with special needs. Whether autistic, highly sensitive, gifted, or simply different, too many of these children are left without a proper place in the traditional system. This is not just an oversight鈥攊t's an injustice. And it's no longer acceptable.

That's why the recent Education Forum felt like such an important moment. For me, it was a rare and valuable opportunity to raise my voice. What struck me most was the shared desire for change among all participants. There was a collective recognition that the current system must evolve.

And we were heard. The Director from the Ministry spoke of building a 鈥渕ore humane education.鈥� Those words resonated deeply with me. That's the vision I stand for, and it's what I work toward every single day.

I hope this forum marks the beginning of real transformation. One thing is certain: I won't give up. The fight for a more just, compassionate, and inclusive education has only just begun.

What are your upcoming projects related to compassionate and alternative education?

Since the beginning of this educational journey, I've always felt a deep desire to share what I've learned and to pass it on. Today, I want to take that commitment even further by helping to shape the next generation of educators through structured training programs. I've already begun discussions with the University of Mauritius to explore the creation of a course dedicated to compassionate pedagogy. Because if we truly want lasting change, it must begin with how we train and support our teachers.

At the same time, I feel increasingly drawn to supporting parents. A meaningful conversation can often defuse a difficult situation and help a child regain balance. The challenges parents face directly impact their children's well-being and ability to learn. By helping families, we make a tangible difference in the lives of our students.

I also want to contribute more actively at the national level. I believe that transformation is needed not only within private schools but across the entire educational landscape鈥攊ncluding the public sector. As I mentioned earlier, I had the privilege of participating in Mauritius' most recent Education Forum, where I was able to share my vision for a more humane and inclusive school system. It was a valuable opportunity to advocate for change and to encourage open, constructive dialogue.

One project that is especially close to my heart is the organization of a congress titled "At the Heart of Education," scheduled for October 2025. Co-organized with Daniella Bee, this event will bring together educators, parents, and education professionals from across the Indian Ocean region. The goal is to create a space for enriching exchanges and collective reflection.

We will explore key themes, including alternative pedagogies, learning disorders, inclusion, the risks associated with screen exposure, nutrition, and the vital link between body, mind, and emotions. Yoga, which is already integrated into our school programs, will be highlighted as an essential practice to help children recenter and regulate their emotions.

Ultimately, my goal is to keep building schools that are deeply human at their core鈥攑laces where every child is seen, respected, and supported with compassion. I believe that by working hand in hand鈥攅ducators, parents, and institutions鈥攚e can create an educational system that truly serves children and honors their potential.