Completed project
Ambodivoangy, a village that no longer had a school.
As planned, in December 2020, we had an independent auditor conduct a final evaluation of the project, one year after the completion of the project activities.
The goal of this evaluation was twofold: to assess whether the project objectives had been met, and to ensure that one year after our last intervention, the implemented initiatives were still operational.
This type of evaluation is a valuable source of information for us. We must not deceive ourselves; not everything is perfect.
The project had two objectives: the education of children and the empowerment of the village.
12/2017
Technical reception of the building
On December 6th, two representatives from EDI Madagascar conducted a site visit to assess the progress of the construction. The major construction work is now complete. The site visit was an opportunity for the villagers to organize a small celebration as a token of their appreciation.
First quarter of 2018
Intense cyclonic activity
On January 8, 2018, Cyclone AVA struck the east coast of Madagascar, bringing massive amounts of rain. The torrential rains lasted for 48 hours, and the entire Tamatave province was affected. Ambodivoangy was not spared, and despite the elevation of the building, our school was flooded. Unfortunately, AVA was just the first in a series of cyclones.
Second quarter of 2018
Resumption of work after a difficult start to the year
After the rain comes the sunshine, as the proverb goes. The rain that fell at the beginning of the year in the eastern part of the country was of an intense and rare magnitude, but the cyclone season is finally coming to an end, and little by little, life in the village is returning to normal.
The workers have returned to the site to fix some defects and complete the construction.
The village committee activities have also resumed, and the importance of savings training and the establishment of income-generating activities are now well understood by everyone.
17/08/2018
Official inauguration
On August 17, 2018, in the presence of local and regional authorities, EDI Madagascar members attended the official inauguration of the primary school, despite heavy rainfall. In Malagasy tradition, rain is considered a sign of blessing... An important milestone of our project has been achieved... For the occasion, the boat that had been used to transport all the materials was repainted and gifted to the villagers.
09/2018
Civics training
It's not easy to have a civic attitude when all you've ever known is your village and the fields surrounding it. It's not easy to understand that you have rights, but also responsibilities, when living in a society as isolated as Ambodivoahangy. The Sustainable Development Goals are not something innate. Providing civic and citizenship education to cultivate responsible behavior within the Ambodivoangy community is the goal of the civic training component in the project we are implementing. This will help raise awareness among the population about their responsibility for personal development and the development of their country. It was also the first opportunity to use the newly built building for a training activity.
11/2021
Back to school.
The Malagasy Ministry of National Education, through the head of the Brickaville education district, kept its promise and assigned two teachers to the new school: a principal and a teacher. Four FRAM teachers (funded by the parents) complete the teaching team to support the 130 children attending for the school year... Each child received a school kit provided by our local partner, Fondation Telma. After a final briefing for the parents, the first school year at Ambodivoangy began.
12/2021
Training on hygiene
As the proverb goes, "After the rain comes the sunshine." The rain that fell at the start of the year on the eastern part of the country was exceptionally intense, but the cyclone season is finally coming to an end, and little by little, life in the village is returning to normal. The workers have returned to the construction site to fix a few issues and complete the building. The village committee's activities have also resumed, and everyone has now fully understood the importance of savings training and the implementation of income-generating activities.
2019
Complementary Activities
The project was completed with minimal issues, leaving a small reserve of funds at the end of the project. At the request of the beneficiaries and with the approval of our funders, we decided to use this amount to carry out a few complementary actions: Construction of a house for the teachers, who currently have to travel daily from Brickaville, wasting a lot of time every morning and evening. Digging of a well. Construction of a laundry and showers. Here are some photos of the teachers' house:
21/01/2022
Project Evaluation (1/4)
"One major highlight that reflects the success of this project in the village of Ambodivoahangy is the establishment of an education center. The provision of a Public Primary School is, according to the beneficiaries, one of the most significant actions in their village. During the 30 months of execution, several activities were implemented, including the construction of community infrastructure (school, washhouse, latrine), the provision of school supplies, training, and awareness campaigns."
Project Evaluation (2/4)
As planned, in December 2020, we had an independent auditor conduct a final evaluation of the project, one year after the completion of the project activities. The goal of this evaluation was twofold: to assess whether the project objectives had been met, and to ensure that one year after our last intervention, the implemented initiatives were still operational.
Project Evaluation (3/4)
This kind of evaluation is a valuable source of information for us. We must face the reality, not everything is perfect. The project had two main objectives: the education of children and the empowerment of the village. As for education, the objective has been largely achieved and continues to operate perfectly: The children are happily attending school, for the third consecutive school year now. The teachers are motivated by the great infrastructure, and the academic results are better than the district average. Is this due to the skill enhancement courses we provided to the teaching staff, or is it because of their motivation?
Project Evaluation (4/4)
Probably a combination of both. In any case, this great success is a huge satisfaction for the entire team. A village as remote as this cannot change its mindset in such a short time. We had hoped for a village committee that would meet regularly and make decisions for the well-being and development of the community. Unfortunately, after our departure, the villagers stopped meeting and returned to their families to resume their daily activities. Well, that’s okay. We won’t leave them behind. Without forcing them or imposing our ideas, we will continue to support them, to help them. Through our friends at Mitia Madagasikara, our sister NGO on the ground, we will continue to visit them regularly and ensure the smooth running of our school, its maintenance, and the harmony within the village... while we wait for the next development project for this village.
