Education Crisis in Mayotte: Urgent Need for Reform Amidst Poverty and Cyclone Aftermath

In Mayotte, a French overseas territory, an alarming education crisis persists, with numerous children facing substantial barriers to educational access, exacerbated by ongoing socioeconomic conditions and the fallout from a severe cyclone that struck in December 2024. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that more than 15,000 children in Mayotte are without full school days, raising significant human rights concerns as many families struggle to navigate the educational system amidst poverty and bureaucratic hurdles.

HRW’s recent report highlights that over 75% of Mayotte's population lives below the poverty line, with 80% of its children affected. The education system is described as severely underfunded and overcrowded, suffering from inadequate infrastructure that was further compromised by the cyclone. The storm left many students learning in makeshift conditions lacking basic necessities like electricity and running water.

Local authorities have imposed stringent requirements for school enrollment that disproportionately affect children of undocumented parents, who often lack the necessary documentation to register their children for school. This legal ambiguity creates a chilling effect; families fear police involvement, which deters them from utilizing educational resources.

Elvire Fondacci, an HRW advocacy officer, emphasized that every child in France is entitled to education, stressing that any future legislation related to Mayotte's reconstruction must prioritize the educational rights of all children. She noted, “This bill represents a vital opportunity to address decades of neglect in the educational sector.”

In addition to educational barriers, HRW reported that many children go hungry, relying on school meals as their primary source of nutrition. The organization warns that the lack of support for non-French speaking children further complicates their educational experience, creating additional hurdles in an already strained system. The upcoming legislative discussions present a critical chance to address these long-standing issues as Mayotte's educational landscape continues to face significant challenges stemming from systemic inequities and the cyclone's devastating effects.

As preparations for Mayotte's reconstruction bill unfold, advocates emphasize the critical need for inclusivity in educational policy formation, highlighting the pressing importance of ensuring all children receive their fundamental right to education.