MIARAKA
Founded in 2016, Miaraka is a Franco-Swiss non-profit association committed to development initiatives in Madagascar, primarily in the rural commune of Ankadinondry-Sakay. Its name, which means “together” in Malagasy, reflects a collaborative approach aimed at sustainably improving the living conditions of children.
The association operates across several complementary areas: the construction and renovation of school infrastructure, the delivery of educational materials, sponsorship programs for underprivileged children, and reforestation campaigns involving both students and the local community.
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Project completed in 2024: EPP SOANIERRANA – Access to education, clean water, and a sustainable environment
In 2024, a new school was built in the village of Ambatoantranokely to welcome around a hundred students. The building also includes housing for the school principal, ensuring a consistent on-site presence. To improve hygiene conditions and the overall quality of life within the school, several wells were installed to provide sustainable access to clean water. Outdoor play equipment was set up in the schoolyard, offering children a stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment.
Furthermore, the ongoing reforestation program was expanded with the planting of trees around the schools, alongside the involvement of a local nursery specialist responsible for sharing knowledge with both students and teachers.
Upcoming Project in 2025: EPP BONARA – Renovation of school facilities, supply of equipment, clean water access, and reforestation
In 2025, a new project will be launched in the remote village of Bonara, located about 15 kilometers from the center of Sakay. The village is difficult to access: three rivers must be crossed to reach it, and only pedestrians, carts, or motorbikes can get there during the dry season. In the rainy season, it is accessible only on foot. Around 1,000 people live in Bonara and the surrounding hamlets.
The village’s public primary school (EPP Bonara) currently welcomes about 80 children, but this number could reach 150 if the school’s facilities were improved. The four teachers are not certified and are directly paid by the parents — about €80 per year and a few kilos of rice. Despite numerous efforts by residents and teachers, no support has been received from the state or local authorities, mainly due to the village’s isolation.
The 2025 project aims to strengthen Bonara’s educational infrastructure, providing equitable access to education for all children in this underserved area. This initiative continues Miaraka’s commitment: to act where needs are most urgent and to build sustainable, community-driven solutions in support of children.
