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Shabana Caunhye : Une Mauricienne chargée de cours dans un établissement de Cambridge

Par Karen Walter-Kawal
21 Août 2011

Shabana Caunhye est une jeune chargée de cours au Cambridge Arts and Science College au Royaume-Uni. A cœur ouvert avec une Mauricienne qui dit prôner le retour des professionnels mauriciens pour l’avancement de l’île.

Dix ans qu’elle habite Canterbury, Le Kent, dans le Sud-est de l’Angleterre. Un pays où Shabana Caunhye, née Raman, s’est envolée pour ses études tertiaires. Aujourd’hui, elle exerce comme chargée de cours dans un collège du Cambridge Education Group, le Cambridge Arts and Science College.

Pourtant, cette Mauricienne, originaire de Belle-Rose et qui soufflera ses 30 bougies le 31 août prochain, souhaite rentrer au pays afin de pouvoir apporter ses connaissances et son expertise au développement de son île natale.

Pour cette ancienne&nbspcollégienne de Gaëtan-Raynal SSS, les jeunes professionnels mauriciens qui ont été à l''université ou qui travaillent à l''étranger, devraient partager ce qu’ils ont appris pour ajouter à ce qui existe déjà.

« Nous devons nous unir pour faire de Maurice un endroit meilleur. Si nous décidons tous de rester à l''étranger et ne revenons que quand nous le voulons, l''île stagnera. Ensemble nous pouvons faire la différence », partage cette jeune compatriote qui a fait ses études tertiaires en Business Studies à la Canterbury Christ Church University.

Elle soutient que les Mauriciens doivent également être plus accueillants envers leurs compatriotes qui reviennent de l’étranger.

« Très souvent, à travers les réseaux sociaux, j’ai l’impression que les Mauriciens à Maurice croient que ceux qui sont à l’étranger ne suivent pas ce qui se passe dans l’île. Or, nous sommes très au courant de l’actualité grâce à Internet », affirme celle qui dit suivre les actualités mauriciennes sur les journaux en ligne à l’heure du petit déjeuner.

Elle poursuit qu’elle n’a pas eu une scolarité dans un ‘star college’ à Maurice et avance comprendre le sentiment d’infériorité qui règne parmi certains&nbspélèves ainsi que les cicatrices laissées par ce système d’élitisme et qui peinent à disparaître.


Par ailleurs, Shabana trouve que la réforme électorale, qui est revenue dans l''actualité, sera une opportunité pour apporter des changements positifs à la plateforme politique.

En outre, ajoute-elle, Maurice a besoin de promouvoir davantage l’autonomisation des femmes. « Beaucoup de femmes à Maurice excellent dans leur domaine et je suis très fière de leur parcours. Malgré cela, nous avons encore beaucoup de potentiel. A cause de certaines valeurs enracinées, très souvent, quand j’essaye d’exprimer mes opinions, on m’ignore parce que je suis une jeune femme. Cela devrait changer. Nous devons être plus tolérants », souligne-t-elle.


A Canterbury où elle réside avec son époux, Shabana est membre du Parti conservateur. Elle aide les ressortissantes étrangères qui vivent en Angleterre et qui luttent pour pouvoir interagir en anglais.

« J''essaie d''agir comme facilitateur en leur donnant des cours gratuits. Je donne aussi des cours gratuits aux enfants pour les aider à l''école », avance Shabana, qui répète être en faveur du partage des connaissances.

Egalement membre actif de la English Speaking Union (ESU) de Kent de l’Est et de Canterbury, notre compatriote souhaite coordonner l’ESU East Kent et Canterbury plus étroitement avec celle de Maurice. Cette organisation internationale de bienfaisance vise à promouvoir la langue anglaise à travers des débats et des programmes d’échanges.

Auparavant, avant de s’envoler pour l’Angleterre, Shabana a travaillé au Mauritius College of the Air (MCA) où elle a prêté sa voix à une émission radio appelée ‘News and Views on Education’.

« Après cela, j''ai fait une autre émission intitulée ‘The Empowerment of Women’.&nbsp Ce qui m''a permis de témoigner des réalités de la vie, notamment la souffrance de certaines femmes issues de différentes couches socio-économiques. C''est la que j''ai compris que ma vocation serait d''aider les autres », confie-t-elle.

Après le MCA, Shabana a travaillé comme assistante au directeur des ressources humaines à l''hôtel Belle Mare Plage. « Ce qui m''a donné un autre aperçu de notre société. Le luxe du tourisme et l''écart dans les salaires entre les employés au plus bas de l''échelle et ceux occupant des postes de haut niveau. Mon souhait était alors d''apporter ma contribution afin de mettre fin à cette disparité. C’est aussi là que j''ai développé mon amour pour la gestion des affaires et des ressources humaines », se souvient la jeune femme.

Elle raconte qu''une fois en Angleterre, elle a eu la chance de pouvoir exercer un emploi à temps partiel dans l''enseignement alors qu’elle suivait des cours à l’université. Issue d''une famille où les femmes sont pour la plupart dans l''enseignement, Shabana confie qu''elle n''a toutefois jamais voulu faire ce métier.

« Mais j''ai fini par en faire ma passion car c''est un métier noble. La première fois qu''une étudiante est venue me voir avec ses résultats et m''a remerciée les larmes aux yeux, j''ai réalisé ce que je voulais comme carrière », avance-t-elle.

La chance lui sourira une nouvelle fois. Après son diplôme, notre compatriote décrochera un poste dans un établissement scolaire d''Etat dans le centre de Londres. A 23 ans, elle ouvre avec l''aide de quelques amis, un centre où sont dispensées des leçons particulières.

Entre-temps, Shabana poursuit des études avancées. A 27 ans, nouveau coup de chance. Elle rejoint le Cambridge Arts and Science College, filiale du Cambridge Education Group. Une belle aventure que la Mauricienne souhaite poursuivre dans son île natale.

Commentaires

justin | 08/21/11

Belle carriere. Les Mauriciens sont fiers de vous.

Elvis | 08/21/11

What the hell have you achieved Shabana?According to the the agreement all foreign students are bound to leave Britain after end studies so it looks like as if you have married someone there to stay. No big deal

ajna | 08/21/11

it may have nothing to do with Combridge University but the fact that she is able to have a career within the UK and hoping to bring it to Mauritius is a progress that we shud all be proud of...

Franc tireur | 08/21/11

I don't understand the words of some of our own compatriots when a girl have achieve such work and progress, Instead of simply give a congratulation and hope to see more other Mauritians do the same, we just criticize. Come on Elvis and Rambo, who ever you are and what you have achieved in life. Am sorry to say that you are simple idiots and non patriotic persons . As for me I say Congratulations to Mrs. Caunhye and hope other Mauritians having such caliber do the same and return back to help our country to progress.

Mauritian | 08/21/11

Congrats and well done. You show a clean heart and genuinely want to help others. All the best. @ elvis, only laureates are bound to return. She's clearly against elitism. And wants to come back. Good luck

Well wisher | 08/21/11

Yet another one......what is this all about. I am sure all professionals consider themselves a success in on way or the other - whether they are abroad or in mtius. The University of Mauritius offers the same course and many others. It would be a brillaint idea for the local papers to headhunt these people and give some media attention to them. This will be a inspiration to other young persons who want to live and work in Mauritius. These are the people who are contributing to the economy? Who care what you do abroad, whether you work in McDo or PrimeMark or whereever? Also which college was this again - is there a web site for this?
We have to give more attention to young persons who are there and doing a very good job.

Out of sight out of mind - cannot make it clearer

DYLAN | 08/22/11

ENE QUESTION: LI ALLE ETUDIER UK, MARIER LABAS, TRAVAIL LABA...ASTER KI LI REALIZER KI BIZIN RETOURNE MAURICE POU AIDE PAYS??? MWA MO TROUVE LI PE RODE ATTIRE L'ATTENTION POU GAGNE ENE TI PLACE DANS ENE PARTI POLITIQUE PAR LA....PENA NANRIEN SINCERE DE SO DEMARCHE...C'EST L'EGOISME FLAGRANT...RESTE LABA MEME PAS BIZIN TOI DAN MAURICE..CONTINUER AIDE DIMOUNE LABA MEME...

Asha | 08/22/11

congratulations shabs from your proud family in Birmingham

Arjun | 08/22/11

Well done Shabana Raman. This is a big achievement on your side. Also I have noticed that you want to work for a better future for Mauritius. Excellent.

As far as I know only laureates are bound to return home and so many do not. Shabana may be on a working visa for all we know. Not necessary married to an anglomauritian. I say well done Shabana for having done it all from scratch.

Roger | 08/22/11

Cot in mentionne cambridge uni dan larticle la? Ale
Lire bien aprs fer commentaires do! Mentalite mauricien pas pou changer ca! Well done mrs Caunhye!

LOUPIA | 08/22/11

Salut Well wisher.Avant de dire que l'universit de Maurice offre les mme cours, as tu vrifi son classement sur le PALMARES INTERNATIONAL?Elle est en avant dernire position, c'est dire, 958 place sur 1000.Donc, Maurice a tant apprendre des autres dans quelque domaine que ce soit, conomique, social, technologique et culturel.Sois raliste stp...Merci

Havardbusinessschool | 08/22/11

First of all well done. Good thinking and want to bring some improvement in our country. Al of us who have been grown up and study in the uk are well positioned to run the country in a proper way. Par exemple ou fin get commentair Dylan.....si tou mauricien ki dan morice pense couma ou sa montrer kot maurice positioner avec ban bouffon couma ou.....sa ban zafair politic la bizin aboli....coz nou ban zene dan uk, ireland et americ fin vivre dan n culture modern et YES WE CAN.....

Jean Papier | 08/22/11

To all those who find it so hard to congratulate this young lady for her success, I just want to tell you what a bunch of desperate and bitter losers you are.
You cannot appreciate the success of others, shame on you!

Emiliano Z | 08/22/11

Be interesting to know what attracted this intelligent young woman to the conservative party.

NaRiaLBabe | 08/22/11

I personally believe this is really a great job. I don't believe it's as easy as what others think, to reach this stage. Nowadays the world outside is very competitive and to be able to speak out like this is all the inner confidence. If it is so easy to achieve this level, then it should be an encouragement for the young of today to do the same. People know how to criticize but do not know how to achieve the same. Do it and then talk. If you know of people who have, ask them to come ahead of the line, show themselves and talk. That's all i can say. You say UOM has the facilities NOW. Was it there a 10 - 15 years back?? I know courses I have always wanted to do, that till date are not available in Mauritius.
Be proud of a Mauritian returning for the benefit of the country. Don't reject her. She's worked her ass off to reach here. Welcome her.
Shabana.. I think you've done a really amazing job. Wish you all the best with your career. God bless you.

Teacher | 08/22/11

This lady deserves appreciation for the path that she had covered yet she must think more if she wants to return back and when she advises others to do same. In 1996, I completed my masters in medical biochemistry and came back with the firm intention to bring my knowledge & experience to the service of the nation by working as research scientist. I remained unemployed for six months and then without any fixed job for two more years. I never got any job in the public service though I was shortlisted for interview for more than a dozen times (I have full SC, HSC). So far, I have only been teaching kids in secondary schools but there will never be any research because there is no such culture in this country. There are so many like me. I only advise others to think well, get advised from others in the line of profession before taking any important decision. Choose between progress of the country, for which only a handful chosen ones (often not by competence) get the opportunity and for own development.

sheik Ally | 08/22/11

Congratz Shabana, we are all proud of your achievements. Ignore those cheap comments, they are just a bunch of idiots who do not have a sence of patroism. I wonder if they have ever achieved anything in their lives!!! Keep up the good work and surely our country will benefit from your experiences .

jean chung | 08/22/11

Belle, intelligente,devouee,etc. Changeons le slogan bancal Maurice, c'est un plaisir pour....Maurice pour plaire... Mauritius for pleasure

Alan | 08/22/11

Very impressive Shabana!! We are very proud for what you have achieved so far, but as previously mentioned, although we should share our knowledge primarily in our country of origin, you may find the working environment here not as challenging and rewarding as you may expect. Moreover, in terms of financial compensation, there will a very big gap. Be careful when making your decision to come back. Any which way you choose to go, we shall always be proud of you.

OLLITE-ZAKEER | 08/22/11

if yu come to mauritius , do come for holidays.

it would be tough for you to do here what you have achieve in england.

here your merits would not be recognized , many young people are right to immigrate to canada or other countries.

remember my advice, if you come ,come on holidays only.. i hope you read l\express on line and get the message.
thanks

Zoubeida Timol | 08/22/11

I think Shabana will do very well if she decide to come back home. If others did not have the chance to suceed in their endeavour, that does not mean that it has to apply to her as well. Mauritius will welcome her hopefully for her future contribution to the country. Wishing her all the best. Her friend Zoubeida.

Shabana Raman C... | 08/22/11

Thank you so much family, friends, well wishers and even the not so well wishers :)
First of all, both my husband and I are mauritians and we feel the need to come back after pursuing our studies and work. I think earlier comments made emphasise what I said in the article. Some of us should be more welcoming. We need to be less bitter.
Thank you also for the advice that some of you gave us about returning home. Much appreciated. We used to think along the same lines too. But if the youth of today choose to always be away and not fight back to change the country, then Mauritius will remain the same forever. A bon entendeur, salut! :) thanks/merci again!

Proud | 08/22/11

Shabana, on behalf of all of us who have studied abroad and returning home, thank you for being our ambassador! Pena place pou nous tous mais if you are our porte parole, then thank you! All the best..a well wisher.

Proud | 08/22/11

Shabana, on behalf of all of us who have studied abroad and returning home, thank you for being our ambassador! Pena place pou nous tous mais if you are our porte paroles, then thank you! All the best..a well wisher.

Well Wisher | 08/22/11

Who cares about classement or palmaire......everything is relative in life and in what you can achieve. Is there any good reason why we do not see article in the local press about young achievers who studied in Mtius. There are so many Mauritians studying at UOM, why not give them a chance to publish their success and achievement. This is where the mass of our younger generation are studying for their further education.

For someone who cannot afford overseas uni and secures a seat at UoM is this not an achievement. People never appreciate what they have at hand. Mtians have this mentally of giving too much attention to what's from abroad.

And what's the Ranking of Christ church.....330 plus over 1000. Surely there are better prestigious uni in the UK.

Ash win | 08/22/11

I am a Mauritian, I lecture in Oxford University. Before leaving Mauritius, I was teaching at UOM. I went to UK, to have my PhD, and always wanted to return to Mauritius to share my knowledge and experience to the UOM or UTM students. When I read some people reactions on this newspaper. I realised one thing, Mauritius may have developed from a third world to an Industrialsed country, but many of its citizens are still living in the 18th century. This is no encouragement for people who got experience abroad to come back and share with locals. Change these stupidities, people, so that the world can respect you as a nation. My sincere congratulations to Mrs. Caunhye, you gave me some more hope about the new generation and am sure you'll be an asset for your country. Thanks

souleiman macky | 08/24/11

yu r wecome to yur pays natal... bravo felicitation

raouf jkhan | 08/24/11

c pas donner a tout le monde davoir un COEUR ossi grand et davoir une pensee ossi positive pour sa PATRIE.Prions LE CREATEUR afin ki li reussi dans so carriere e porte tre haut notre drapeau sirtou o nom de toute les femmes du monde entier.

raouf jkhan | 08/24/11

c pas donner a tout le monde davoir un COEUR ossi grand et davoir une pensee ossi positive pour sa PATRIE.Prions LE CREATEUR afin ki li reussi dans so carriere e porte tre haut notre drapeau sirtou o nom de toute les femmes du monde entier.

shabbeer caunhye | 08/25/11

Le pays a besoin des capables comme toi...nous une nation ou la politique est en train diviser notre nation arc en ciel.
Je te souhaites bon courage et que dieux te protege.

BRAVo

Shabneez | 08/25/11

While reading this article, what comes out more is not the academic or professional achievement of Shabana Caunhye, but her good heart. How many people teach for free these days?? Teachers in Mauritius will try to get every single penny they can! People should look beyond her parcours and look at what she is willing to do for the country. She makes us Mauritian girls proud and she has inspired us. You have left the country, studied hard, achieved, married and yet want to help others. Well done Shabana. You have our full support.

Elvis | 08/25/11

I'm bloody sure that Shabana is just skylarking. Please mark my words, she has no intentions to get back to Mauritius but she is just up to some attentions.

Patriot | 08/26/11

I share the opinion of the people who discourage our best talents from returning back! If they return back, they will contribute little to the country but if the are abroad, they will contribute more to Mauritius through various means mostly through professional achievement. Take yourself for instance; you went there for PhD but are actually lecturing! You who are eager to return, what held you there? I guess there must have been some good reasons behind this and these reasons apply to all. By the way, our prestigious UOM is ranked just few thousand across the world and there is hardly any culture of research there (something for which I myself returned many years back). Perhaps you have grown in your superiority complex there which made you use uncivilised words like stupidities, ... Respect..etc. If you are convinced returning back is so good then you are free to set the example.

Ash Win | 08/29/11

Mr. Patriot, well you are wrong, I am coming back early December this year, to help my compatriots and the students of the University of UOM and UTM for them to have broader views on technological things happening in more advanced countries. This lady, has opened my eyes, and have already booked a ticket and made all arrangements with the two institutions to give proper lectures on various aspects, more over, I will get the support of Oxford lecturers and Manchester University professors who are willing to come to Mauritius to help my country to become a hub of human power in the region. So please sir, don't jump to conclusion so rapidly. Thanks

Roshan | 08/30/11

Mo pa croire qu'Ash Win en lecturer a Oxford et Manchester...

Jincy d'Olo | 08/30/11

Shabneez, ou croire qui dimoun bizin marier pour devenir en succes?

Geeta | 04/25/12

Mauritian people must encourage her to come back home .Mauritius need this kind of people with a big heart &someone who want to help her motherland, why not, congratulations Mrs Shabana, do what you are about to do for your country, good luck.

joe | 05/03/12

Returning back to Mauritius can be very difficult and frustrating. Some local politicians as well as coward and incompetent local professionals feels very threatened about expatriate returning back recently one politician announced in a public meeting that if you double nationality wit a british passport you should not a be allowed to be an MP It clearly appears that this politician is very afraid that he will be challenged by expatriates and he may lose his own interests. Other professionals in Mtius such as doctors gets very worried about their private practice rather than raising the standard of medicine in the country they feel that they own the island and they are very much in protecting their own interest rather than the people of Mauriyius

bilal | 01/20/13

people care for others only with words.to thing for their own sake and gain.first of all what ever our religion or culture its very important for you and everyone.it should have an impact of your appearance and practice. but most of the people think and plan only for themself, familly , n relative. everywhere in this world is good to live n free because its made without mistake, all is god creation.first teach yourself,be yourself.dont forget your cultutre and religion. dont mix religion with nothing.try to have faith. dont play with people life and heart.because think that one day we have to leave this world with only our good deeds. thanks