Training for a self-sustainable center in Tamatave

Mitia Madagasikara

Think Human Fund

Mission & History

Mitia Madagasikara, established on August 5th, 2016, by a group of dedicated Malagasy and international volunteers, is committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable children and their families in Madagascar. The organization focuses on enhancing the quality of life through various support and development programs. Its mission is centered on several key areas. In terms of child welfare, it provides care and support for orphans, abandoned children, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The organization also aims to enhance access to education by improving school infrastructure and supplying necessary educational materials. In the health sector, it promotes well-being through medical care, health education, and nutrition programs. Furthermore, Mitia Madagasikara supports community development projects that uplift families and improve living conditions. Additionally, the organization empowers individuals by offering vocational training and skills development to foster financial independence.

Country Information

As of 2021, Madagascar’s population is approximately 30.37 million, with a GDP per capita of $531, one of the lowest globally. The rapid population increase is outpacing economic growth. Tamatave, a major city on the eastern coast, experiences severe social inequality, leading to extreme poverty, family violence, disease, and widespread childhood suffering. Many children, orphaned or neglected, live on the streets, facing violence, exploitation, and inadequate care. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with a noticeable surge in street children under 15. As of April 12, 2022, the International Day for Street Children highlighted the alarming situation, with no updated statistics since 2015.

The Need

The situation is critical, with several pressing issues needing attention. Firstly, there is an urgent need to renovate the Centre Enfants de Joie school to provide a dignified and secure learning environment for 450 children. Additionally, improving accessibility in both the orphanage and school is essential to accommodate disabled individuals. The orphanage’s capacity also requires expansion, aiming to increase places from 30 to 60. Establishing a vocational training center for people with disabilities is another key priority, helping support their professional integration. Achieving food self-sufficiency through farming, along with generating income from surplus production, is vital for sustainability. Furthermore, implementing ecological solutions is crucial, such as using black soldier fly larvae for livestock feed, installing photovoltaic panels, and developing water supply and treatment systems.

The Project We Fund

The project is centered on two main objectives. First, it involves renovating the Professional Training Center to facilitate the integration of children with and without disabilities into the workforce. This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities and foster an inclusive environment. Second, the project emphasizes reinvestment by using the profits generated from the training center, whether in monetary form or through food, to achieve 80% autonomy for the association’s food and budgetary needs. This approach not only supports self-sufficiency but also ensures the sustainability of the association’s operations.

The Result

The project’s impact will be meticulously tracked through several key measures. Disability tracking will involve specialist assessments to measure autonomy and learning progress for children with disabilities. Capacity building will be monitored by evaluating the number of children accommodated in the newly established facilities for disabilities. To assess infrastructure improvements, before-and-after photos and student interviews will be utilized, along with obtaining compliance certificates from E2C Tamatave. Learning improvement will be evaluated through annual national exam results, while food autonomy will be assessed by comparing food-related costs to the overall budget, supported by annual audits from Nomery.

In terms of project management, there will be regular reporting through quarterly steering committee meetings and bi-monthly project meetings with stakeholders, alongside quarterly progress reports from cooperators. An extensive 150-page annual report will be submitted to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MAEE). Additionally, audits and evaluations will include an annual financial audit conducted by a specialized firm and a final project evaluation by an independent firm in the third year for MAEE and contributors. These measures ensure rigorous operational and financial monitoring, allowing for necessary adjustments to be made as needed.