Since November 2023, the environmental education program implemented by Madagasikara Voakajy in the Mangabe-Ranomena-Sahasarotra Protected Area, with support from the Conservation Leadership Programme, has had remarkable effects on local communities, particularly in the villages of Avolo and Andazaona.
Beyond raising students’ awareness of environmental protection, this project has marked a turning point in collective consciousness and community development.
The main impact lies in the increased interest of children in protecting their environment. Through classroom sessions and outdoor activities, students and, through them, their families have become aware of the importance of preserving their ecosystem. The planting of 108 trees, with an impressive survival rate of 93%, symbolizes this collective success. By also planting fruit trees in schoolyards, the program has reinforced the importance of natural resources in daily life.
Additionally, this project has had a direct impact on school enrollment. By introducing adult literacy classes, the program has encouraged more parents to send their children to school, as shown by the statistics from the local primary school in these villages for the current academic year. This surge in school attendance shows the close connection between environmental protection and education.
The inclusion of an environmental education course in the local school curriculum is another major step forward. By placing children at the center of conservation, the program equips them with the tools to become tomorrow’s protectors.
Ultimately, this environmental education program does more than just impart knowledge. It has successfully transformed the local communities' perception of the importance of nature, while also promoting the education of younger generations.
