Building a school in Madagascar

The need for a proper school building

We visit the vanilla growing region in the north-eastern part of Madagascar called “the SAVA” on a regular basis. During our time there in 2019 we had many discussions with the local vanilla farmers. It became clear as we talked that they were in desperate need of a proper school for their children.

Proper infrastructure forms the basis for good education

At that time the children were attending school in a building that had been damaged by extreme weather conditions, exposing them to intense sun, heat and rain during classes. Proper infrastructure is very important and provides the basis for a good education. This is why we, together with the Trivium Foundation and Sambavanille, made the decision to build a fully equipped school, including 4 well-ventilated classrooms, toilets, a library, a playground, a vegetable garden and a kitchen.

School ready on time for new school year

Construction began in January 2020 and, despite difficulties due to Covid-19, was completed in time for the start of the new school year in September 2020. On the 27th of October, we celebrated the official inauguration with more than 1,000 people from around the region. Among the guests of honour were the governor of the SAVA, Justin Tokely, Regional Directorate (SAVA) of National Education, Jean Luc Randrianarison, Mayor of the Urban Municipality of Sambava, Judicael Ramangalaza, the Rural Municipality of Maroambihy, Constant Jaonina, President of the Macky Association, Odon Donald Ramanambohitra, as well as the Director of the new school, Renaud Zamanilaoka, teachers and students.

Continual support from De Monchy Natural Products

De Monchy will fund the continuing maintenance of the new school, as well as teacher salaries, educational and classroom materials to support the local community well into the future. Read more about the Trivium Foundation here.

Building a school in Madagascar


Building a school in Madagascar