Hope takes shape: ecovillages bring smiles back to the people of southern Madagascar.
A year into the establishment of the ecovillage in Ankaranabo, southern Madagascar, the residents have rediscovered their joy and are expressing their satisfaction.
Variana, a farmer, fetches water from one of the newly installed faucets. “It used to take me an hour to walk to the nearest water point and back. I’m thrilled that this faucet is right in front of my house,” she says.
Vololoniaina Mahavitra, principal of secondary school, proudly inspects her papaya tree. The school grounds now feature a variety of trees, including papaya, and flamboyant, all thriving thanks to a new rainwater collection system.
Mazava Thomas, the village chief, poses proudly behind his house. He explains, "Water is one less problem to worry about now; life in the south is not easy."
An overview of Ankaranabo village showcases its new water supply infrastructure. Thanks to these sustainable improvements, the community is more resilient and better equipped to handle the challenges of climate change.
The village now has solar electrification, and residents believe it could help them address issues of insecurity.
Célestin (right), 14, a 3rd-grade student at Ankaranabo secondary school, beams with pride in the brand-new multipurpose room built by UNICEF.
Célestin, is also a football enthusiast who excels as a goalkeeper. He enjoys the new infrastructure at his school, which includes five new classrooms with solar electricity, brand-new bathrooms, and fresh football goals.
Mandimby, 16, a 3rd-grade student, enjoys using the school’s new handwashing facilities to cool off from the heat.
Traditional wells in Terabovo, a village where UNICEF has installed water pumping systems and public faucets.
The public faucets in the commune are supported by an array of solar panels that power the groundwater pumping system. This water is transported to a tower and distributed through several public faucets across the Terabovo community.
Solofo, a Development Champion, is seen in his vegetable garden. He runs a small eatery offering healthy, varied, and diverse menus. As a Development Champion, Solofo plays a key role in uplifting his community in areas of hygiene, nutrition, and well-being.
A resident of Manarintsoa village washes hands with ash. The community has built latrines for every household, eliminating open defecation. Alongside the infrastructure, UNICEF is promoting good hygiene practices.
Note: the ecovillage concept implemented by UNICEF is funded by the National Committees for UNICEF in Belgium, Netherland, United Kingdom, France, Andorra and Germany, and also by Moondance and Eleva foundation
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Related story: New hope for the village of Ankaranabo
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