History
Over six decades of education, growth, and excellence.
Friendship College Boys
"A School Is The Cradle Of Friendship"
College Founder
Mr Ramchurn Coomar Bachwa M.S.K
Date of Birth
15 May 1934 — Age 91
Place of Birth
Shakespeare Rd, Fond du Sac
Residence
6, Belle Rose Avenue, Quatre Bornes
Education
Trinity College, Port Louis (up to SC)
65+
Years of Excellence
1961
Year Founded
G13
Highest Level
30k+
sq ft Campus
The Story of Our College
Friendship College
Boys
The Story of Our College
As told by its Founder
Mr Ramchurn Coomar Bachwa, M.S.K
In 1957…
I first had the idea of opening a college in the north of the island… because, at that time, there were very few schools in this region.
I had a very good relationship with Mr Claude Obeegadoo, the principal of Trinity College… where I had studied.
So I went to him… and shared my idea. He encouraged me… and generously shared his knowledge about running a school.
A couple of years later… in December 1959… I heard that McDallen College had released three teachers. I contacted them… and proposed that we join hands… to open a school in the North. They agreed.
And that… was the beginning of our journey.
We started looking for a building to rent… and eventually found an old one… just opposite the Astoria Cinema Hall in Goodlands.
The owner agreed to rent it to us… for a deposit of twenty thousand rupees—which was a very large amount at that time… and a monthly rent of four hundred rupees.
We began renovating the building… and managed to set up eight classrooms.
At the same time… we were working hard to obtain our licence… and to find students.
And by December 1960… everything was ready.
In January 1961…
We finally opened our school—Friendship College—with around 100 students… from Form 1 to Form 5.
But the journey… was not easy.
By the end of that very first year… two of our partners left… because the school was operating at a loss.
Our fees were modest—ten rupees for Form 1… twelve for Form 2… fourteen for Form 3… sixteen for Form 4… and twenty for Form 5.
Yet… we still could not make a profit. Many of our students simply could not afford to pay.
But I made a decision… one that I never regretted.
I chose never to penalise any student… for not being able to pay.
Because for me… their education mattered above everything else.
Often… students would come to my office… asking for help to pay for their School Certificate exams. And I would always help them.
Because they were bright… they were capable… and they deserved a chance.
Of course… this meant that the school continued to face losses. But I did not give up.
Instead… I made a sacrifice.
I sold my plot of land at La Salette… for thirty-five thousand rupees… and invested everything… into the school.
In 1968…
My colleague Mr Venkatasamy and I… decided to divide the school into two departments. He would take charge of the girls… and I… would take charge of the boys.
And that is how… Friendship College Boys… and Friendship College Girls… were born.
Then came a turning point.
In 1976… the Government introduced free education for all… and began providing grants to private secondary schools. This was a great help to us. It allowed us… to move forward.
With time… I was able to save… and purchase two acres of land in Goodlands. I then took a loan from the Development Bank of Mauritius… and began constructing our own school building.
Finally… in 1986…
We moved into our new home.
A place… we could truly call our own.
Step by step… we continued to grow.
We expanded our facilities… and improved our infrastructure. And in 2016… we added our gymnasium and hall… a proud milestone in our journey.
Looking back…
Our journey has not been easy. There were many challenges… many sacrifices…
But we never gave up. We persevered.
And today… 65 years later…
We are proud to say… that we are still here… Still standing strong… and still serving the people of this country.
“And as long as there are students who need a chance… Friendship College will always be here… to give it to them.”
About the Founder
Mr Ramchurn Coomar Bachwa M.S.K founded Friendship College in Goodlands in 1961. Through perseverance and sacrifice he built a school that put students first—and over six decades that spirit continues at Friendship College Boys.
Mr Ramchurn Coomar Bachwa
Friendship College Boys
Our Journey
Six decades of milestones that shaped Friendship College Boys
The Beginning
Mr RC Bachwa founded Friendship College in January 1961 at Astoria Rd, Goodlands, in a rented building. Around 100 students — both boys and girls — were admitted to the new co-educational institution. When founding friends backed out due to financial constraints, Mr RC Bachwa continued alone, later calling back Mr Vencatasamy to assist. With great perseverance and personal financial investment, the school steadily grew, eventually requiring a second rented building — the Arya Sabha Building.
Boys & Girls Departments Split
The decision was made to split the college into separate Boys and Girls departments. Mr Vencatasamy was entrusted with overseeing the Girls Department while Mr RC Bachwa continued to run the Boys Department.
Growing Population
A further increase in the school population necessitated the employment of more staff to maintain the quality of education.
Free Education Era
The introduction of free education caused the school population to shoot up dramatically. More investments were needed to provide additional building facilities. Mr RC Bachwa, who had so far been investing from personal savings, had to apply for loans from DBM and MCB to fund the expansion.
Closure of Rival Schools
The closure of 21 private secondary schools — including two colleges in Goodlands, namely Shantiniketan and Goodlands High School — led to a further strengthening of Friendship College's student population. More staff was needed, and 2 acres of land were purchased at Telugu Temple Rd, Goodlands.
New Building — Phase One
Construction of a new school building (Phase One, approx. 10,000 sq ft) was completed and inaugurated in November 1986 by the Hon. Armoogum Parsuramen, Minister of Education, Arts and Culture. Phase Two was set in motion to add another ~10,000 sq ft.
Phase Two & Three Completed
Phase Two brought all pupils under one compound by 1991. Phase Three (1991–1996) added a further 10,000 sq ft to house specialist rooms and laboratories — including the Library, Audio Visual Room, Art Room, Computer Room, Design & Communication Room, and Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs.
Additional Floor Construction
An additional floor was constructed to provide space for HSC and Pre-Vocational classes, preparing the college for the next stage of academic expansion.
HSC Classes Introduced
HSC classes commenced following green light from the Ministry of Education, earned through regular good performance at SC examinations. Candidates were offered options in Science, Arts, Technical & Commercial fields. Pre-Vocational classes were also introduced.
New Administrative Block
A new administrative block of approximately 500 sq ft was constructed to support the growing administrative needs of the college.
50th Anniversary
Friendship College Boys celebrated its Golden Jubilee — 50 years of existence — in January 2011, organising a series of special activities and events to mark this historic milestone.
Multipurpose Hall
A modern multipurpose hall was constructed and inaugurated on the occasion of the college's 55th Anniversary in June 2016, providing a dedicated space for large gatherings, events, and activities.
65th Anniversary
Friendship College Boys proudly celebrates its 65th anniversary in January 2026 — a testament to the vision of its founder, the dedication of its staff, and the spirit of every student who has walked through its doors.
Our Achievements
Sports Excellence
Famous for sports performance in the north, FCB has won most regional Football and Volleyball tournaments organised by District Council North and later by MSSSA. FCB athletes have also represented Mauritius at both national and international levels.
Academic Achievements
Consistently good performance at both SC and HSC levels. The school has produced prominent citizens who now occupy important positions both in Mauritius and abroad, a testament to the quality of education provided over six decades.