Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a comprehensive report highlighting significant barriers to education in Mayotte, a French island territory in the Indian Ocean. The 73-page report, titled “Exceptional Failure: France’s Persistent Education Shortcomings in Mayotte,” reveals that the local municipalities are failing to ensure that all children have access to education.
The report details the harsh realities faced by students, including overcrowded classrooms and inadequate facilities that do not meet basic needs such as drinking water, sanitation, nutritious food, and a safe learning environment. HRW conducted interviews with over 40 individuals, including children, parents, teachers, and government officials, to gather insights into the ongoing educational crisis.
Elvire Fondacci, the French advocacy officer at HRW, expressed her deep concern about the situation:
“It is shocking that thousands of children in Mayotte are denied access to school, while those who do attend face substandard learning conditions. All children in Mayotte should be able to experience their right to education on an equal footing with children elsewhere in France.”
The report indicates that the education system in Mayotte has been grappling with a shortage of classrooms and teachers for years. The problem has been exacerbated by a devastating cyclone in 2024, which resulted in widespread destruction to homes, schools, and infrastructure. The lack of essential resources has led many schools to operate on an alternating schedule, severely limiting the educational opportunities available to children.
Despite French law mandating free education for children aged 3-16, a study conducted by the University of Paris Nanterre in 2023 found that nearly 9 percent of children in Mayotte were not attending school. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for systemic change in the education sector.
Efforts to improve the educational landscape in Mayotte are underway. Libraries Without Borders, in collaboration with the French Red Cross, has introduced a mobile media library to the island, which is being utilized by hundreds of young people and refugees. The organization is also employing “ideas boxes” to collect community-driven solutions for addressing educational challenges.
Additionally, the Foundation of France, the leading philanthropy network in the country, is mobilizing resources to support educational initiatives in Mayotte. Following the cyclone in 2024, the foundation successfully raised €43.6 million in donations to aid the island. Of this total, €15.1 million has already been allocated to over 200 initiatives, including 73 projects specifically focused on education and youth development.
Mayotte, one of 13 overseas French territories, is currently facing economic hardships, with over 75 percent of its population living below the poverty line. This dire situation highlights the critical need for enhanced educational opportunities, which are essential for both economic and social stability.
As the international community observes the struggles in Mayotte, the focus remains on ensuring that all children receive the quality education they deserve, paving the way for a brighter future.
