LES
ENFANTS
CITOYENS

GENERAL INFORMATION:
- vulnerable minors: 4,700 bambini
- teachers: 118
- parents : 1,200


PROJECT BACKGROUND
Les enfants citoyens has its roots in the ten-year collaboration with the Aina Center (an association that deals with literacy, health, and children’s rights) and in the activities of the so-called Centro Manovo, a cultural and play space that RTM has managed for Manakara’s schools and children since 2010. Following feedback collected over time, a feasibility study and the subsequent formulation of the project were carried out.
Context
Madagascar ranks at the bottom of all development indices and is among the poorest countries in Africa.
A very serious concern lies in the poor state of the education system, widely characterised by an approach that is punitive, disciplinary, and strongly discouraging to the child in relation to its potential. The teaching staff lacks adequate psycho-pedagogical and didactic skills as well as teaching tools; children generally lack material and attend overcrowded classes.
It is also customary that everything related to the educational sphere is the exclusive competence of teachers. Such lack of parental participation, coupled with the weaknesses of the school system, is reflected in children’s performance.
Finally, in the Antemoro ethnic group which is Manakara’s prevailing population, a strong custom persists of not registering children. This practice deprives them of any right recognised by the state. If we add to all this poverty and extremely precarious housing conditions, it is clear that the situation of the children of Manakara is absolutely fragile and vulnerable.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
- vulnerable minors: 4,700 bambini
- teachers: 118
- parents : 1,200


GOAL
The project aims to ensure that the children of Manakara have the status of legal subjects by strengthening primary school, the family, and the community in the poorest neighbourhoods of the city.
The adopted rationale is to break the vicious circle of lack of interest in the rights and education of children – a necessary step to produce long-term social change.
ACTIVITIES
The main activities are divided into three groups according to the problems to be addressed.
1. Registration of 2,350 children through the development of a replicable methodology
Retroactive registration for children of target schools who do not have a birth certificate. Awareness-raising activities for mothers.
2. Creating the conditions so that 4,700 children/ year can benefit from a modern, decent educational approach for their development
Training of 118 teachers; provision of technical and educational equipment for schools, teachers, and students; initiatives aimed at pupils on topics such as water, environment, hygiene, and nutrition; civic education for pupils and teachers.
3. Supporting 1,200 parents in family and community paths at the level of parental responsibility, food safety, water, and hygiene
Creation of the “Parents’ School”; literacy course for 100 adults; development of a school well for community use in the Tanakidy district.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
