Summary
There is a demonstrable need for resources at all levels of the Malagasy educational system. In rural areas many communities have little or no access to even basic levels of formal education. The rural commune of Mahatalaky is typical of the situation across the Anosy region. It is made up of 16 isolated fokontanies, or villages, over a vast area. Many have no road access and are separated from the Commune hub of Mahatalaky and from other villages by bridgeless, crocodile-infested rivers. Many fokontanies have no formal educational services and some children, if they wanted to attend school, would be forced walk up to 30km per day to attend schools in other communities – that is, if there is any room for them.
It is no surprise that illiteracy in this area is among the highest rates nationally. Yet schools in the area are heavily overcrowded such is the desire amongst children to learn. Following many requests for assistance from villages, we entered into collaboration on this project with the Ministry of Education in 2007. We are providing simple, furnished, sanitary school facilities to priority villages, for which the education authority sources and funds teaching staff.
Project Aims
To contribute to the implementation of the Madagascar Action Plan Engagement Commitment 3 (Education), challenge 2 ‘to create a successful primary education system’, which aims to increase school capacities especially in vulnerable zones, through the development of school infrastructures and the training and the recruitment of new teachers.
To contribute to the implementation of the Madagascar Action Plan Engagement Commitment 5 (Health), challenge 8, ‘to provide safe water and widespread use of hygienic practices’, which prioritizes integration of sanitary practices into schools.
Project Purpose
To enable access to formal education for all children 6-14 years old in the Mahatalaky rural commune to alleviate poverty, enhance the quality of life and build towards gender equality in the Anosy region.
Objectives
Priority villages in the Commune have a furnished, staffed and operational community primary school.
School pupils are able to access potable water and unisex sanitation facilities on site.
Principal Activities
Contractual arrangements
Contracts for the land and for the community's contribution to the project, in labour and through provision of materials, are drawn up with a community delegation, who must agree to use the school for the purpose for which it was built.
Construction
Our construction team provides technical support to the village in construction of a safe, simply furnished two room classroom made from timber and stone, permanent latrines with separate cubicles for girls and boys and a closed drinking water source on site. Often visiting volunteer groups also participate in the construction of these facilities.
