Madagascar

Flying to Madagascar was magical, with the call of magnificent mountain ranges, beautiful beaches, sparkling waterways and, of course, its people. As we drove through small towns, we were entranced by the vibrancy of people clustering around open shop fronts purchasing meat, vegetables and spices. The countryside was splashed with colour where washing was laid out to dry on bushes. Very few people can afford a privy or washing facilities in their home, so the rivers and lakes are populated with women washing clothes or bathing their children. 

Most Madagascans speak Malagasy, with French the official language, so we were extremely privileged to have the former High Commissioner for Madagascar (and Mauritius, Comoros and Seychelles) in our company. Her Excellency Susan Coles is not only a fluent French speaker, but also a person well connected with the education authorities and passionate about literacy for all.

The African Children’s Stories program began in Madagascar through the auspices of the Australian High Commission, in partnership with innovative Vision Valley School. The school was established in 2000 in the home of Gavin and Rhoda Jordaan with only three students. Today, it has grown to nearly 300 pupils from nursery age to Grade 12.

The Vision Valley School community was electric with excitement on the day of the launch. The school had invited guests from the local community and surrounding schools. The students had prepared dances with graceful movements, sophisticated costumes and mesmerising music. Cameras flashed as proud parents watched their children perform.

The Malagasy are a proud and happy people. As Jannah Estella Maminirina wrote:

Madagascar is a beautiful island and I love where I live, even though there are many challenges. I am proud of my island and I always will be!