Mayotte Faces Education Crisis Following Cyclone Chido's Devastation

Severe school damage, delayed classes, and student relocations strain resources and raise concerns on Mayotte and nearby Réunion Island.

Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, severely damaged 39 out of 221 schools and five secondary schools, leaving many unable to reopen.
The start of the school year for Mayotte's 117,000 students has been postponed to January 27, with temporary measures like class rotations and televised lessons planned to ensure educational continuity.
Some schools in Mayotte are still being used as shelters for displaced residents, creating tensions and logistical challenges for reopening.
A growing number of Mahoran students are being relocated to Réunion Island for schooling, sparking concerns among local residents about overcrowding in classrooms.
The French government is examining an emergency law to accelerate reconstruction in Mayotte, including rebuilding schools, while addressing criticism over its slow response to the crisis.