The Gemfields Foundation’s project to rebuild a second primary school in rural Madagascar in as many years has nearly reached its conclusion. Inspired by the successful project to rebuild the nearby Antsahamarofoza primary school, which reopened in November last year, project partner REXMA brought to the charity’s attention a fresh opportunity to contribute to the education and future prospects of children from families in this area.
The Ecole la Bénédiction is a high-performing school in the Analamanga region, whose facilities were not up to standard. Thanks to the hard work of members of the local community and the generous support of Phillips Auctioneers Ltd and a private collector, the new school building is a clean, bright and airy space, with three brand-new classrooms in which lessons can take place. Only the sanitary facilities and some final issues relating to electricity and water require sorting before the school can open its doors.
On Saturday 8 October, the children and their families came together with the school team to add the finishing design touches to the school. They decorated the new classrooms with colourful and educational graphics and the handprints of those who have been a part of the project. The wider local community joined in, painting the classroom benches.
As well as providing an excellent education, the school will also nourish pupils with a hot midday meal each day. By charging a small sum to community members for water collection, it will be able to buy rice for the canteen, which, combined with the produce grown in the school gardens, will provide a healthy offering for students.
Additional donations are now being sought to help fund a much-needed secondary school on the site and to improve the rest of the classrooms in the primary school. Please contact us if you would like to be involved in the second stage of this dynamic and worthy project.
