In 1988, Cyclone Honorine destroyed hundreds of schools serving the children of rural
Tamatave. Most of these schools have never been rebuilt. Consequently, thousands of young people in rural areas have neer
attended school. They can neither read nor write in their mother tongue.
Teenage Literacy Project
Begun in 2001, this program provides informal schooling for small
groups of youngsters. As a part of this project, native teachers translated literacy
materials into the Malagasy language, a learning center opened, and educational programs for teenagers began. The new students and their teachers advertised the joy of learning to the whole community by wearing tee
shirts bearing the slogan “Soa ny Mianatral” – Learning is Wonderful.
As a result to the programs success and community response, several
additional literacy-based programs have developed.
Urban women’s program
· The program began at the request of local women after they observed the teenage
programs.
· Graduates now give
public testimony to the value of knowing how to read, write, and work with numbers. They also help tutor others.
· Women in the program have requested that their daughters be educated
· Participants have asked to start a small library.
Rural Literacy Days
During Rural Literacy Days, members of the community come together to learn and celebrate.
Prison Extension Program
Most recently the literacy initiative has extended into the regional prison of Toamasina.
