Education, French colonialism and the Kanak independence struggle in New Caledonia

Abstract

This paper is a study of Kanak education in New Caledonia. It traces the history of French educational policy and practice towards Kanaks, and discusses the extent to which this has advanced or retarded colonial interests. It also examines Kanak responses to French education, and discusses some of the dilemmas facing the independence movement with regard to education. These analyses form the basis of a discussion of the role of education within the Rocard Plan, and the implications for the Kanak independence movement if it is fully implemented.