The education system in Mayotte, a French island territory in the Indian Ocean, is struggling to provide adequate schooling for its children, according to a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The 73-page document, titled “Exceptional Failure: France’s Persistent Education Shortcomings in Mayotte,” outlines significant barriers to school enrollment and reveals that many schools are overcrowded and ill-equipped to meet basic needs.
HRW’s findings indicate that Mayotte’s municipalities impose substantial obstacles to accessing education. Those who are enrolled often attend schools lacking essentials such as drinking water, sanitation, nutritious food, and a safe learning environment. The organization conducted interviews with over 40 stakeholders, including children, parents, government officials, and educators.
The report highlights a long-standing neglect of Mayotte by the French government, which has resulted in a persistent shortage of classrooms and teachers. Many schools operate on alternating schedules, limiting most children to only part of the day in class. This situation has worsened following a devastating cyclone in 2024, which significantly damaged homes, schools, and infrastructure.
Despite French law mandating free education for children aged 3 to 16, a separate study from University of Paris Nanterre indicated that nearly nine percent of children in Mayotte are not attending school. Elvire Fondacci, a French advocacy officer at HRW, expressed grave concern, stating, “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.”
Efforts to address these challenges have been initiated by organizations such as Libraries Without Borders, which has collaborated with the French Red Cross to establish a mobile media library on the island. This initiative serves hundreds of young people and refugees, providing access to educational resources. Additionally, the organization has employed “ideas boxes” to gather community-driven solutions for educational emergencies and learning needs.
Recognizing the critical role of education in fostering economic and social stability, the Foundation of France, the country’s leading philanthropy network, has also stepped in to support educational initiatives. Following the 2024 cyclone, the foundation raised €43.6 million in donations to aid the island. Of this amount, €15.1 million has already been allocated to over 200 initiatives, with 73 specifically targeting education and youth development.
Mayotte is one of 13 overseas French territories and is recognized as France’s poorest region, with more than 75 percent of its population living below the poverty line. The challenges faced by its education system underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure all children have access to quality education.
