2. EDUCATION AND POVERTY All international studies concur that illiteracy is the main source of poverty in developing and developed countries In Mauritius, illiteracy averages 16% of the total of 1.25 million population (CIA fact book); it is concentrated in low income areas scattered around the island Since its creation in 1996, Mauritius Round Table No. 5 has been very active in promoting reading and helping literacy related projects

3. The Fatima Literacy School Started in 1989 as a community library Initial volunteers still active in school After 5-7 years of public school Still unable to read and write Repeatedly failed CPE exam Kids have no self esteem, no ambition, no hope They need a SECOND CHANCE

4. Why teach the kids again? No CPE = No JOB No JOB = POVERTY, CRIME, DRUGS Objective: re-teach kids enough to re-take the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) Kids attend school for 3-5 years Take CPE exam Get pre-professional training

5. Fatima School - Facts 125 students 8 fulltime teachers 20 volunteers 1 headmaster since 2009 Re-educated more than 1,000 kids over 20 years All students gain self esteem and confidence 100% success at the latest CPE seating

6. Costs and budget NO government funding All costs covered by private donations Students each pay 2 € per month Actual Costs = 25 € per month or 300 € per year Overall School running budget : 36,000 € per year

7. Fatima - Donations situation Donations to school not tax deductible since 2005 Reduced donations from tourism and textile companies with economical recession Need alternative source of funding to run and expand school Hence sponsoring from MRT5

8. MRT5 and Fatima School Since 2008, MRT5 raised 3,500 € for Fatima school Obtained matching grant of 3,200 € from WOCO foundation Renovated a classroom (2,800 €) Donated a new PC with licensed software (900 €) Project to pay headmaster’s salary for 6m (3,000 €) – WOCO grant

9. MRT5 Objectives for Fatima School in 2009 Sponsor a minimum of 20 children over 2 years Help school renew sponsor base Provide funds for expansion 20 children per class x 300 € per child x 2 years = 12,000 €

10. RT Austria can help make a difference in the Mauritian community Keep 120 kids out of the streets Reduce child drug use and violence in poor areas Help teenagers integrate the working community