In Madagascar, catch-up classes allow children to continue learning

Everything changed when their parents were separated during the 2020-2021 school year. Since her mother could no longer afford to contribute to school fees and the purchase of school supplies, Rachida, in 10th grade, dropped out of school. Her older sister continues her studies in addition to helping her mother as a street vendor. The priority for the small family is to find something to eat.

In this small village in the West, their case is not isolated. Parents are not very enthusiastic about sending their children to school because educating children is not part of their culture. Given the involvement of school principals and teachers, the assistance of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of National Education and the support of UNICEF, remedial courses have been initiated so that these children regain a level of education and continue studying. At least 80 per cent of the children who are hosted there have abandoned school desks because of the reluctance of their parents.

Ms Lucian, one of the programme's facilitators, convinced Rachida's mother to enrol her in the remedial course. “Poverty has put an end to her desire to educate her granddaughter. I then offered my help to accompany Rachida back to school. Anyway, it was obvious that she liked it and that she wants to succeed in her life,” explains Ms Lucia. Rachida signed up and worked hard to be on the same level as her former classmates. “I admire the personal commitment of my teacher for all her support, encouragement and willingness to track my evolution,” says happily Rachida.