𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐬

𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ

𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

The Induction session for the ‘Diploma in Meteorology for the Meteorological Technician (MT)’ took place on 29th April 2025 at the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) in Vacoas.  This is a diploma commissioned by the MMS and mounted by the Open University (OU).  Back in 2018, the diploma was launched for the first time with some 25 participants.  It’s worth highlighting that this is a bespoke programme designed for trainee Meteorological technicians who recently joined the MMS.  Seven years down the lane, we launched a course for a 4th cohort.

The nature of work of the MT cadre has changed significantly over the past 25 years. This is mainly due to a fast-changing Information Technology environment and the exigencies of the various socio-economic sectors to provide more accurate information.  Therefore, this course aims to equip the MTs with the required skills to deliver quality information to the wider community.   The course runs over 12 months and consists of two semesters.  Similar to other courses offered at OU, the diploma follows the hybrid mode of learning: face-to-face and online.

The collaboration between the MMS and OU is bound to thrive as highlighted by both the Ag. Director of the MMS and the Officer-in-Charge of OU. The induction session was the perfect occasion to meet our new learners and introduce them to an enriching new journey at the Open University. There is a common willingness to create avenues for the MMS staff to pursue advanced academic studies like bachelor’s, master’s and even doctoral degrees after completing their diploma programme.