Mayotte's schools face significant challenges

Mayotte's high schools are struggling with overcrowding, lack of resources, and safety issues, according to a letter from deputy Anchya Bamana to the Minister of National Education. She requested that national initiatives to support high schools also address the specific needs of Mayotte.

Overcrowding and infrastructure issues

At the Northern Polyvalent High School in Acoua, 2,300 students are attending a school designed for 1,500. The school requested more classrooms, staff, and a cafeteria to manage the overcrowding. Similar issues were reported at other schools, including Younoussa-Bamana High School in Mamoudzou, where some classes had up to 38 students.

Lack of staff and poor conditions

At Younoussa-Bamana High School, courses were canceled due to a shortage of teachers, and students reported poor sanitary conditions and long school days. In Sada, faulty computers and air conditioning, along with incidents of aggression near the school, were reported. Around forty staff members had also exercised their right to withdraw from work in September.

Safety and security concerns

Security was a major issue at several schools, including Tani Malandi High School in Chirongui, where confrontations and projectile incidents were reported. Similar concerns were raised at Dzoumogné Vocational High School, where violence near the school and incidents of throwing stones at buses were reported.

Infrastructure and resource shortages

At Bandrélé High School, students reported overcrowded classes, transportation difficulties, and meal issues. At Dembéni, teaching positions were missing, and some classes were canceled. At Lumières High School, teachers noted poor internet connectivity and frequent staff turnover, while students in BTS programs faced challenges after the Chido cyclone disrupted their schedules.

Healthcare and university issues

Anchya Bamana highlighted the lack of school health personnel in Mayotte, with only two doctors and twenty nurses for 117,000 students. She also pointed out overcrowding at the University of Mayotte, the lack of teaching researchers, and the absence of Crous housing for students.

Requests for concrete action

The deputy called for clear responses from the government, including details on positions to be filled, necessary work and equipment, funding, and deadlines. She emphasized that national announcements should lead to real improvements in Mayotte's schools.

Demands for equality in education

Anchya Bamana stressed that students in Mayotte should be able to attend all classes, have proper equipment, and access usable facilities, including water and meals. She concluded by calling for the same level of support and attention from the State as provided in Metropolitan France to ensure students' education is not disrupted.