Education
Academic year
August to July
Literacy rate (15+ years old)
81.2 %
Out-of-school children
Children (6 – 11 years) – 66,840
Adolescents (12 to 14 years) – 627,799
Youth (15 – 17) – 1,126,532
Project implementation
Abalafeno, a small village west of Antsirabe, had the only primary and secondary school in the region. Unfortunately, the building in which both were located was badly damaged by a cyclone in 2018. In 2020, Acronis Cyber Foundation rebuilt and opened a new school in Abalafeno, one which can accommodate 425 students. The school also received new plumbing, including toilets and a handwashing station.
The new school building in Abalafeno is large enough to bring high school to this region, and allows students to attend full-time classes. Because the school is now centrally located, kids can now even enjoy a hot lunch at home.
As part of the Schools Initiative, Acronis Cyber Foundation builds computer classrooms in each school that it builds. In Ambalafeno, this comes with a unique challenge: a lack of local grid-supplied electricity means that the school requires the installation of solar panels. We welcome everyone to contribute towards construction of a computer classroom in Ambalafeno by donating laptops, tablets, solar panels and other energy-efficient equipment.
News from the project
About the country
Country
Republic of Madagascar
Capital city
Antananarivo
Population
26.2 million people
Currency
Malagasy ariary (MGA)
Major languages
Malagasy and French
Travel information
Madagascar has a generally temperate climate, averaging 8–10 daily sunshine hours in most regions.
Annual average temperature
26°C (78.8°F)
Dry season
May to October, characterized by low levels of rainfall with sunny but cool days.
Wet season
November to April, characterized by higher levels of rainfall and humidity.
Travel tips
Hotel recommendations
Antananarivo: Carlton Madagascar Hotel
Antsirabe: Plumeria Hotel
Haute Matsiatra: Betsileo Country Lodge
Places to eat
Antananarivo: Vaniala Antsakaviro
Antsirabe: L’Insolite
Haute Matsiatra: Betsileo Country Lodge
Best souvenirs from the country
Zafimaniry crafts, artisan gems and stones, baobab seeds, Antemoro paper, Madagascan coffee
Travel agencies
Interpreting services
Proposed one week tour
Day 1: Antananarivo: Andafiavaratra Palace
Day 2: Alaotra-Mangoro: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Day 3: Antsirabe: School visit
Day 4: Fianarantsoa: Historical part of the city
Day 5: Haute Matsiatra: Ranomafana National Park
Day 6: Antsirabe: Tritriva Lake
Day 7: Antananarivo: Analakely Market