A community school for all (children) in Fiarenana

The preparations for the start of the school year were marked by a true spirit of collaboration between teachers, students, parents, and other community members. Our two schools, Fiarenana and Fiadanana, redoubled their efforts to improve their learning environment, while continuing the educational and environmental activities they had previously initiated.

Thanks to collective mobilization, the schools were able to carry out several much needed repairs. 

At Fiadanana, the doors were renovated thanks to funds raised from the sale of produce from the vegetable garden organized in school fair of May 2025. The leaking roof was repaired thanks to voluntary contributions from our parents. 

At Fiarenana, the same community initiative enabled the doors to be repaired. 

But the big innovation was converting and old storage room into a kitchen now equipped with an oven.  This oven has the dual function to prepare meal for students and for baking lessons. Baking lessons are organized by Zahana and invite the community to learn about income generating skills. Very successful in Tsaramandroso, such a pastry oven is now also accessible in the community of Fiarenana. This approach is part of the spirit of Université Rurale, that uses the school buildings for more than ‘just’ a school for our students. 

This is an important milestone for us since the schools themselves were able to pay for many the repairs and claiming ownership of their school. Zahana, for its part, provided various materials to support the school's operations.

Finally, teachers from both schools were reminded of the importance of strengthening civic education classes, particularly learning the national anthem and teaching the values of politeness and respect for others.

Links:

• Inventing a pastry oven to pay for the teachers
• Getting Ready for the 23/24 School Year