Reforestation 2.0 in our villages in Madagascar

Context:

Our students have always been the backbone of our reforestation efforts for over 15 years by now. In Fiarenana and Fiadanana the tree nursery is currently located on the school grounds. Reforestation is part of our curriculum. The gardeners have become an integral part of the teaching staff, getting students involved hands-on in reforestation and the care of growing seedlings, by planting and watering.
 
As part of the teacher skills development program, assessments were made with written responses to questions relating to their respective responsibilities complemented by on site interviews with teachers and parents. 
 
Focusing on this August 2025 assessment we highlight here the feedback from the Zahana to teachers regarding reforestation:

• Continuing with involving students in active reforestation and the care of the nursery
• Continue planting tree seedlings from the nursery and using innovative tree spreading methods such as the seed balls, that are also great fun to make and throw for our students (see videos.)
• In addition, in 2025 Zahana schools will experiment with the Foxhole Model (the Ecosia reforestation approach in Madagascar). This method consists of identifying and actively protecting and fostering the spontaneous regeneration of floral species that have become rare or are endemic to our region. 
• Experimentation with seedling sleeves made from reconditioned plastic bottles that can be re-used almost indefinitely, instead of plastic black bag bags, which are pricy and more difficult to manage. 

The 2025 Passport to Purpose campaign is a special fundraising opportunity exclusively for organizations registered in countries most impacted by the USAID funding cuts. Madagascar unfortunately qualifies. 

GlobalGiving’s Passport to Purpose campaign will last 103 hours, from September 8, 2025, at 10:00:00 EDT to September 12, 2025, at 17:00:00 EDT. The details can be found here: https://www.globalgiving.org/leaderboards/passport-to-purpose/terms/