Training in Korea: alleged favoritism in the selection of two teachers

The choice of two teachers, close to an executive of a parapublic body, for an internship in Korea arouses accusations of favoritism. The ministry defends a transparent and fair process.

Two teachers from a state college, close to an executive from a parapublic body, are among the ten educators selected to participate in a training program organized in the Republic of Korea, from June 28 to July 11. This coincidence raises questions from several teachers, who question the criteria that governed this selection.

The program in question, entitled “Capacity Building for Educators in Secondary Schools on Online Teaching in Mauritius”, is led by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Asked, a technician from the Ministry of Education assured that the selection exercise had been carried out in accordance with the eligibility criteria set by this agency, as well as the provisions in force governing training abroad within the Civil Service.

According to the information collected, a call for expressions of interest had been launched among eligible educators through their respective institutions. The ministry indicates that it has received 154 applications from state colleges, to which are added those submitted by other establishments.

A pre-selection exercise was then carried out. Two criteria prevailed: seniority and compliance with the age limit set by Circular No. 41 of 2016 of the Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms, relating to appointments for training abroad.

At the end of this exercise, and in accordance with the quota allocated to the Ministry of Education, ten educators were selected to represent state secondary establishments. The appointments followed the usual administrative procedures, before being submitted for approval to the competent authorities and then transmitted to the relevant authorities. The ministry affirms that the entire process took place in compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency and equal opportunities.

However, these details were not enough to dispel doubts. For several teachers, the presence of the two educators in question among the selected candidates casts a shadow over the transparency of the exercise.

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