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ST PATRICK'S PRIMARY (INCLUSIVE) SCHOOL
OUR HISTORY
St. Patrick's Primary School
It all began in 1927, with a woman with a huge heart and pioneering vision: Marie Mazérieux. On an island still marked by social inequality and taboos, she founded Mauritius' first coeducational school. Her dream ? To offer a second chance to children in difficulty, to those the system had left behind. With courage and determination, she planted the first seeds of an education based on inclusion and kindness.
Years passed. In 1961, Cyclone Carol destroyed everything in its path, including the school's walls. But the soul of the place endured. Thanks to the unexpected solidarity of sailors from the French cruiser Jeanne d'Arc, the school rose from its ruins. It then took the name Cours Jeanne d'Arc, in homage to their commitment and this symbolic rebirth.
Marie Mazérieux died in 1981 at the age of 86. A year later, her heirs—former principals, teachers, and students—joined forces to create the Fondation Cours Jeanne d'Arc association. Together, they made the bold commitment to perpetuate the school's spirit: to provide a place where every child, regardless of their differences, can learn, grow, and flourish.
In 1998, the Cours Jeanne D’Arc took the name of St Patrick’s College and St Patrick’s Primary School to pay tribute to St Patrick’s College of Ireland who contributed significantly to our association “Fondation Cours Jeanne D’Arc." Let us take a moment here to draw a parallel between these two illustrious figures who inspire this school; Marie de Couhlac Mazérieux and Saint Patrick; have in common faith, total self-sacrifice, love for the little ones, courage and perseverance.
Since then, the school has continued to evolve, adapt, and grow without ever betraying its founding values. In 2025, we welcome 130 students supported by 37 staff members. But the story doesn't end there. In 2027, St. Patrick's School will celebrate its 100th anniversary. A century of commitment, resilience, and love for children. A century of believing that education can change lives. And that inclusion is not an option, but a mission.
THE SCHOOL
The association “Fondation Cours Jeanne D’Arc” (FCJD) is a non-profit organization, registered since 1982 with the Registrar of Associations (ref. 1944), and recognized as an NGO by the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF) under ref. NCSRF/2017/0342. FCJD owns and runs St. Patrick’s Primary School which is currently the only Inclusive Primary School
in Mauritius.
We currently have perfect parity: 65 children in traditional classes (grades 1 to 6)
and 65 children with special needs in specialized classes (SEN)
As a private, co-educational Catholic school open to all, we place the
whole development of the child at the heart of our teaching. Each student
is caringly supported to foster their personal, social, and intellectual growth, whatever their needs.
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