By Ellen Manwaring | Programmes and Office Assistant
February marked an important milestone for Volobe Sud Primary School, as the SEED team joined the community to celebrate the official Groundbreaking Ceremony at the future site of the primary school. The ceremony brings together the entire community and local authorities to honour tradition and seek blessings before construction begins.
Preparations for the school’s construction have been ongoing since early 2026. Storage rooms have been built along the access path, and materials are being transported on foot from a roadside drop-off approximately 15 km away. The community has played a vital role, helping carry materials and gather sand and rocks for construction.
Representatives from SEED, the Head Teacher of Volobe Sud, as well as other nearby schools, the Village Leader of Volobe Sud, Commune leaders, the Head of the Education Administration Zone, and community elders, together conducted the site groundbreaking ceremony with the teachers, parents, and wider community all in attendance. The ceremony was led by the eldest descendant of the family who originally owned the land. Central to the tradition is communication with the razana (ancestors), asking for their blessing on the ground where the school will stand. A benediction using water and medicinal leaves opened proceedings.
The first hole was then dug at the northeastern corner of the future building, considered the most sacred position in Malagasy tradition. Cornerstones were placed, and a drop of toaky gasy (traditional homebrewed Malagasy rum) was poured in. As is tradition, a chicken was sacrificed, followed by speeches. To complete the celebration, everyone gathered to share a drink in the shade. Following the ceremony, full construction has begun, with foundations and the latrine pit currently being dug.
We would like to thank you for your continued support. Thanks to the generosity of donors and community involvement, school infrastructure is becoming a reality, creating safe and lasting spaces that will serve students, teachers, and the wider community for many years to come.
By Betty Gisore | Grants and Administrative Assistant
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