FREE E XAMINATION FEE SCHEME
364. The Free Examination Fees Scheme is being implemented since 2017. The purpose of the
Scheme is to facilitate children of SRM households to have a second attempt through an exemption
from payment of fees varying from Rs 10,478 to Rs 13,028, in respect of School Certificate (SC)
or its equivalent General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary, or Higher School Certificate
(HSC) or its equivalent Advanced Level (A Level) exams. This Scheme caters not only for students
who have failed the SC or HSC examinations but also for those who have passed at first attempt
but wish to improve their qualifications. For academic years 2017 and 2018, 256 students of
Mauritius and Rodrigues have benefitted from the Scheme. There are 276 students of Mauritius
and Rodrigues for the Academic year 2019 who are entitled for the scheme. For the financial year
2017/2018, a total amount of Rs 2,070,379.
CRÈCHE SCHEME
365. The Crèche Scheme which is being implemented in Mauritius since February 2017 provides
for children aged between 3 months to 3 years to be placed under the care of registered child
daycare centres thereby allowing their mothers/parents to take up employment or to follow a
training course for the purpose of empowering them. This Scheme pays a maximum of MUR 2,000
monthly to the daycare centres in favour of each child admitted whose mother/parents are referred
to training institutions for the possibility of enrolment in different sectors. For the financial year
2017/2018, a total amount of MUR 1,312,700 was disbursed under the Crèche Scheme whereas
for 2018/2019, it is Rs 887,800. There are currently some 20 beneficiaries.
PUBLIC -PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO ELIMINATE POVERTY
366. Lovebridge is a public-private partnership with an innovative approach in fighting poverty.
It is run under the stewardship of Business Mauritius (the representative of more than 1,200 private
companies). The Lovebridge method tackles poverty holistically by intervening on six pillars
namely Education, Employment-Employability-Training, Housing, Food & Nutrition, Health and
MASCO (Motivation, Attitude towards Empowerment & Self-Help, Skills & Know-How and
Courage). Lovebridge works constructively on individualised strategies and practical action plans
to help families progressively step out of poverty.
NEW CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FRAMEWORK
367. A new Framework was announced in the Budget 2016/17 with a view to ensuring greater
transparency and better outcomes in the implementation of CSR programmes. The NCSR
Foundation was incorporated on 30 December 2016, following the Budget measure for setting up
of a NCSR Foundation to be managed jointly by the private and public sector. The National CSR
Foundation was established by Government in December 2016 with the aim of generating better
social outcomes and ensuring greater accountability and transparency in the use of CSR funds.
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