THE former president of Mauritius and the first woman to be elected to that position, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, is a biodiversity scientist and recipient of both a L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Award for Laureates and the African Union Commission Award for Women in Science.
Gurib-Fakim says it is thanks to her motivated teachers who made understanding science easier. As a result, she did well in the subject because of that demystification.
But when she wanted to study science at school, her career guidance teacher asked why she wanted to do science because that subject is for boys.
The former president, who was on the Forbes List for the 100 ‘Most Powerful Women in the World’ and first among the Top 100 Women in Africa Forbes List 2017, has been recognised as one of the foremost voices on the Continent.
Last month she participated in a South African seminar on human rights in Africa.
In a Q&A, Gurib-Fakim shares the story of her favourite teacher with Inside Education.
Q: What was her name?
A: Sister Anne
Q: Name of School attended and year/s?
A: Loreto Convent School (between 1977 -1978), Quatre Bornes
Q: How did your favourite teacher endear herself to you?
A: She had a no-nonsense attitude to teaching and was highly disciplined…always insisting on punctuality. This
has shaped my perspective in later life.
Q: What subject/s did she teach you?
A: Mathematics
Q: Did you look forward to her subject?
A: Yes, I did, and what I liked best (now, with hindsight) is how she trained us mentally. She would start her
class with mental arithmetic, firing quick questions and expecting instant answers!
Q: What did you like about your teacher?
A: Her humanity!
Q: What was your favourite subject at school?
A: Chemistry
Q: Has this influenced your choice of career?
A: I have always been fascinated by chemistry, especially the chemistry of
Carbon, which is understanding the chemistry of life itself. It eventually underpinned my career.
Q: What was the one phrase from any teacher that stuck with you or inspired
you?
A: Never leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
Q: Have you kept in touch with your favourite teacher? If so, what was the first meeting like beyond being a
learner in the classroom?
A: Unfortunately, she returned to Ireland, and I lost touch with her. But before she left, she would engage in
one-to-one conversation and give advice. She was also always available when one wanted her advice.
Q: Why are teachers so important to society?
A: Teachers provide you with the necessary instructions, and they help complement the education we receive at
home.
INSIDE EDUCATION
