by Alvyn Ulrish Shad Savrimuthu
As Trochetia Special Needs celebrates its 15th anniversary, the school is using this milestone to reaffirm its commitment to awareness, understanding, and inclusion for children and young people with special educational needs in Mauritius.
Founded on 13 January 2011, Trochetia Special Needs was established with a clear purpose: to provide children with disabilities with consistent, adapted, and compassionate support from an early stage in life. Over the past 15 years, the school has grown into a dedicated learning environment that supports both academic development and emotional well-being, responding to the unique needs of each learner. Today, a team of 18 staff members supports 65 students, with 408 pupils having passed through its doors since opening.
In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, the school brought together students and staff through a series of creative and sensory activities, including painting with natural resources, drawing, planting, flower bouquet making, and playdough. The initiative fostered a joyful, inclusive environment where students could express themselves freely and celebrate their abilities in meaningful ways.
Reflecting on the school’s origins, founder Miss Mary Savrimuthu said, “After working in a special needs school for 11 years, I realised how important it was to provide support much earlier in a child’s life. When we opened our doors in January 2011, we started with just eight pupils and a strong belief that every child deserves the right support to grow and thrive.” She added, “I firmly believe that early screening and intervention remain essential if we want to ensure better outcomes for children with special needs.”
That belief is borne out in the lives of former students. Avi Jayesh Pokhot, who now serves in the Special Mobile Force, described Trochetia as “the foundation of my transformation,” recalling that his teachers never gave up on him even as he struggled with understanding, memory, and self-expression. “The school taught me discipline, perseverance, and responsibility,” he said. “It prepared me for life.”
The school’s impact is equally felt by the families it serves. Parent Magalie Jingoor, whose child is autistic, described Trochetia as “much more than just a place of education, it is a space of understanding, patience, and individualised support,” noting that her child’s renewed confidence and overall well-being have made the greatest difference. Teacher Jenita Mardaymootoo, who has spent 15 years in the sector, echoed this, emphasising that adapted lessons, repetition, and appropriate teaching materials are essential to helping students progress at their own pace. “One of the most beautiful things I have learnt is to celebrate every small improvement,” she said.
The importance of institutional collaboration is underscored by Deepak Maunthrooa, Quality Assurance Officer at the Special Education Needs Authority (SENA). He noted that SENA’s vision is to build an inclusive society where learners with disabilities have equitable access, participation, and opportunities to reach their full potential. “Collaboration with schools such as Trochetia Special Needs is essential,” he said, “because these institutions play a key role in supporting learners and helping shape them into individuals who can thrive in today’s world.” He stressed that while Mauritius has made progress, stronger public awareness and a genuine shift in mindset remain essential, and that support for people with special needs must be regarded as a shared responsibility across society.
Fifteen years on, Trochetia Special Needs stands as a compelling example of what consistent care, dedicated teaching, and genuine inclusion can achieve, and a reminder that the work of building a more equitable Mauritius is far from finished.
