Calm returns to Mayotte schools after mobilization

After several days of mobilization in high schools across Mayotte, a sense of calm returned on Thursday, October 8, though many students were absent due to family anxiety. At the Lycée des Lumières in Kaweni, about twenty teachers joined the strike to support student demands, while the school administration attempted to address concerns.

Teachers join student strike in Kaweni

At the Lycée des Lumières, the student mobilization that began on Tuesday continued in a calmer form on Thursday. Following the students, a group of teachers also went on strike to support their demands, with banners displayed at the school gates and classes operating at a reduced pace.

School chooses partial opening amid strike

The day before, a general meeting was held with teachers and staff to review the situation. While national guidelines suggested closing affected schools, Éric Gaucy, the interim principal, opted to keep the school partially open. Only final-year students and those in the BTS program were allowed to attend classes on Thursday.

Reduced student numbers seen as limiting mobilization

A teacher present at the school noted that reducing the number of students might limit the effectiveness of the mobilization. However, she acknowledged that having some classes running is better than a full closure.

Principal begins addressing student concerns

Éric Gaucy has started preparing quotes for repairs within his authority, including fixing sanitary facilities, water fountains, air conditioners, and securing windows vulnerable to stone-throwing. These are initial steps, though they do not resolve all the long-standing issues like overcrowding, lack of classrooms, and poor school infrastructure.

Teachers acknowledge limited resources

A striking teacher emphasized that the financial resources needed to fully address these issues far exceed what the school administration has available. Still, she stressed the importance of showing that Mayotte is actively participating in the national student movement, given the high levels of overcrowding in the region’s schools.

Student representatives meet with rectorate

On Wednesday, ten representatives of the Conseil de la vie lycéenne (CVL) participated in a video conference with the rectorate. Among the responses was the creation of a national platform to collect student demands, though this was seen by some as an insufficient response.

Teachers criticize lack of direct engagement

Mobilized teachers expressed disappointment at the absence of a direct meeting between student representatives and the Minister of National Education. They believe the rectorate is trying to delay the movement until the school holidays, hoping it will subside.

Holiday schedule may affect movement

The All Saints' Day holidays in Mayotte will begin after classes on Saturday, October 10, with a planned resumption on Monday, October 26. This two-week break may influence whether the mobilization continues after the holidays.

Other schools report calmer conditions

Elsewhere in Mayotte, schools generally appeared calmer on Thursday, despite many absences linked to family concerns. At the polyvalent high school in Kaweni, classes resumed normally, and in Tsararano, a small group of students gathered under gendarme supervision without incidents.

Parents call for safer demonstration strategy

In Sada, where new incidents occurred on Wednesday, some parents are urging their children to shift strategies. They support the students’ demands but want demonstrations to take place inside the school, in consultation with the administration, to prevent outsiders from exploiting the movement for violence.