A right that opens doors: education and health in Madagascar

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Education in Madagascar: between access and quality

In the country, access to primary school is relatively high: almost all children start school, with an enrollment rate that is close to 98%. However, this fact does not tell the whole truth.

Only about 60% of children are able to actually complete primary school and an even lower percentage continues in the following years. The situation becomes even more critical in secondary school: less than a third of students reach this level, with a significant drop in rural areas and among the most vulnerable groups.

Added to this is a crucial problem related to the quality of learning. It is estimated that more than 90% of children do not acquire adequate reading and comprehension skills for their age. These numbers clearly show that access to school, alone, does not guarantee real and effective education.

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The inseparable link between school and health

Education is not just about books, notebooks and classrooms. It is knowledge that becomes awareness, prevention and treatment.

A well-nourished child has a better chance of attending school regularly, focusing and learning. In the same way, an informed mother is better able to take care of the health of her children, from nutrition to disease prevention.

This is why Change's activities in schools go beyond teaching. The school canteen at Ampefy's Saint Thérèse school, for example, is not just a place where meals are distributed: it's an educational tool that strengthens children's ability to learn and grow in a healthy way.

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Change's commitment to the territory

Over the years, Change has built strong and lasting relationships with schools, teachers, and local communities. Our work aims to connect education and health through concrete and integrated actions, including:

• the management of a school canteen with nutritious meals and snacks that promote class attendance and attention;
• awareness-raising activities on nutrition, hygiene and personal care in the villages where we operate;
• nutritional monitoring to identify situations of malnutrition and growth problems at an early stage.

In this way, information becomes prevention and health can be transformed into a concrete and accessible right.

How to contribute to change

Getting informed, sharing, participating and supporting are simple but fundamental actions. The change also starts with those who choose not to remain indifferent and to believe in the right to health and education for everyone.

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