Help us Build Manambaro Lycee

Building on the massive progress our school group made in July, a much smaller team of Pioneers used a combination of technology and old-fashioned hard work to make sure Lycée Manambaro was ready for presentation at its October inauguration! Without a mechanical cement mixer at the ready, the group of three Pioneers mixed all of the cement required for the foundation and floors by hand, before applying the first coat of fresh white paint to the out- and inside walls. Slick! Technology did play its part when the Construction team’s toolbox expanded to include a circular saw and generator, which helped immensely to cut timber for the windows and school benches constructed by Pioneers. Our Malagasy team enjoyed sharing their expertise, showing the team how to measure, construct and build the benches which innumerable students will sit on for years to come. The Pioneer’s newfound woodwork skills came in handy in constructing the roof trusses and fronting before the Construction team raised the roof itself. Finishing touches were also made to the two-cubicle latrine block, including a final coat of paint and the addition of locks to the toilet doors.

When the team had any downtime, the Pioneer guides Yvon and Aimé ran Malagasy classes and organised trips to the local market, ensuring the Pioneers not only got a taste of life in Madagascar and essential values, but of the incredible fresh produce available!

Perhaps most memorable for the Pioneers were the personal stories of the students benefitting from the new school buildings. At 18 years old and with just one year of school to go, Naina understands the value SEED’s new school buildings will provide for the children of the wider Manambaro community. “Another lycée building means more education for more Malagasy people,” he said. Walking in most days from the remote town of Sariasamabo, 11km from Manambaro, Naina often stays in town with relatives to find time to study after attending school. Aside from learning English, Naina noted that the attention SEED has played to Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) practices at the lycée has been especially helpful; “Everyone now uses the latrines and it means we have somewhere to go in privacy.” Naina plans to attend university and his dream is to be an English-speaking guide for tourists in the region.