Beyond the “Keep Them Busy” Myth

There is a common misconception that weekend programs in developing regions are simply about supervision – keeping kids occupied. We disagree.

For the children in our weekend commitment initiative, Beyond the Classroom, these two days are about Strengthening Skills. We aren’t just filling time; we are building the cognitive and social foundations that a crowded, formal school day often lacks the resources to address. And we are supporting them with French practice and homework. The truth is that many of these children have nowhere to turn for that support.

From Theory to Competence

Education without application is just theory. On the weekends, we take the French verbs and the geography lessons out of the notebook and into the real world.

• When a 5-year-old masters a paintbrush or a 12-year-old sketches a complex idea, they are developing more than “art.” They are building fine motor control and the psychological “follow-through” required to execute a vision.
• On the football field, a child isn’t just running; they are learning situational leadership and the discipline of a collective goal.
• Our hikes through local terrain aren’t just walks. When a child knows their land, they develop a sense of ownership and stewardship over their future resources.

Why It Matters: The Opportunity Gap

The “Opportunity Gap” is a global phenomenon, but it hits hard in rural Madagascar. If we only invest in the hours between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, we are only doing half the job.

True resilience – the kind that breaks cycles of poverty – is built when a child feels seen, supported, and challenged. By filling the weekends with purposeful activity, we are fostering self-efficacy: the internal belief that they can solve problems and influence their own destiny.

At NORA-Madagascar, we stay on the ground seven days a week. We do this because we know that potential doesn’t take the weekend off!

Deep Dive into the Data:

• Global Education Gap: Why rural students fall behind
• The Role of Extracurriculars in Cognitive Development
• Early Skills and Long-term Economic Growth

At NORA-Madagascar, we believe that if you love a place, you have a responsibility to its future. Recently, we witnessed a profound “full-circle” moment on Île Sainte-Marie.

Jean-Marie Lebas, who has called these islands home for over 20 years, turned his deep bond with the community into a powerful catalyst for change.

The exhibition, “Photography Solidarity,” held at Hotel Libertalia, was more than a display of stunning images. It was a partnership where 100% of the proceeds were channeled directly into our School Nutrition Programme.

A Partnership Rooted in the Field

For Jean-Marie, choosing NORA as a partner was about trust and proximity.

“When I launched this project, I immediately thought of NORA-Madagascar. The reason is simple” he explains “NORA and its founder are based here in Sainte-Marie. And it is very important to me to know that the projects implemented here are directly supervised and carried out by its founder and a local team, that they are fully immersed in the island’s communities, and that they address real and visible needs.”

From “Taking” Photos to Giving Back

He shares our core belief: Malnutrition is the greatest obstacle to education. You cannot teach a hungry child, and you cannot build a future on an empty stomach.

The journey to this exhibition was not easy. It took eight months of work – shooting in Sainte-Marie, printing in Paris, and framing in Antananarivo. It was a process filled with enjoyment, but also exhaustion and doubt. What kept Jean-Marie going was the motivation to use his craft for social change.

“I was fortunate enough to grow up in a country where children’s basic needs and welfare are met; where personal development and exposure to cultural and artistic activities are a natural part of their education. I therefore remain humble, for here the needs are immense. At the same time, knowing that practicing what remains, for me, a hobby will enable children in our villages to have access to a healthy, balanced diet for a few days, perhaps a week, and that I am contributing, alongside others, to their development, encourages me to continue and gives meaning to my photographic work.”

How the ‘eye’ has changed over 2 decades

One of the most moving aspects of Jean-Marie’s work is his evolution from an observer to a member of the community. He doesn’t just see landscapes; he sees faces he knows. He describes his recent black-and-white portraits as “family photos.”

“The light and colors of Madagascar are a tremendous asset for photographers. The latest photography book by Pierrot Men, a Malagasy and the Indian Ocean’s greatest photographer, is entitled *Where the Light Lives*, and this is no coincidence. As I am working on a black-and-white project featuring portraits and scenes of daily life, my integration into local communities results in a greater sense of ‘intimacy’ with the people I photograph. I see this as a gift bestowed upon me.”

One specific image from the exhibition captures this perfectly: A little girl with a school bag waiting for a “taxi-brousse.” She represents the resilience and the potential that NORA works to protect every single day.

Beyond Statistics: The Power of Art

We often look at reports and spreadsheets to measure impact, but Jean-Marie reminds us that art speaks a different language.

“Interpreting statistics effectively requires rationality and sound reasoning. It is possible to compile a report or a set of statistics without ever having been in the field.

Art can be seen as a universal, emotional and intuitive language. Regardless of the form it takes, artistic expression is the translation of lived experience and thinking.

With the widespread practice of photography through the use of smartphones, the artistic and creative nature of a photograph is instantly perceived by a wider audience.”

By buying a piece of art, our donors didn’t just look at a statistic; they connected with the dignity of the Malagasy people – a people who face daily hardships with incredible stoicism.

A Message to Our Global Community

As an expat who has made Madagascar his home, Jean-Marie has a clear message for travelers and residents alike: we are guests in one of the poorest countries on earth, and we are privileged to be here.

“For the vast majority of people here, putting food on the table is a daily struggle, and life is organised on a day-to-day basis amidst uncertainty about the future. Supporting children today also means preparing future generations, through education, to break free from the vicious cycle of dependency.”

The Impact

Thanks to everyone who attended the vernissage and purchased a print, we have secured significant funding for our Nutrition Programme in Agnafiafy. Every photograph now hanging on a wall has been transformed into high-protein meals for the students in Agnafiafy.

A heartfelt thank you to:

• Jean-Marie Lebas for your talent, your stamina, and your heart.
• Hotel Libertalia for hosting this celebration of solidarity.
• All of you who bought a piece of the island to take home, while investing in the children who live here.

Together, we are proving that when art and mission align, we can change the world—one plate at a time.

The next Project

Jean-Marie is already working on the next project, documenting daily lives and livelihoods on the islands. We are excited to follow the process and can’t wait to see the final production!

You can see more of Jean-Marie’s work here: Photo-Solidarité

As you delve into the villages, one fact becomes strikingly clear: a significant portion of Ile Sainte Marie’s population is comprised of children and youth. From the youngest infants to adolescents on the cusp of adulthood, these young individuals represent the future of our communities. For Nora-Madagascar, this demographic reality underscores the profound importance of our work.

Three reasons why it is critical to focus on children and youth in the village communities

1. A Foundation for the Future: Children and young people are the bedrock upon which the future of Sainte Marie will be built. By investing in their well-being, education, and development today, we are directly shaping a more prosperous and resilient tomorrow for the entire island.
2. Addressing Core Vulnerabilities: Despite the island’s natural beauty, many children and youth in Sainte Marie face daily challenges. Challanges including limited access to consistent nutrition, quality education and opportunities for growth. These foundational needs, if unmet, can perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder individual and community progress.
3. Nora-Madagascar’s Impact: This is precisely where Nora-Madagascar steps in. Our core mission is to empower these young lives. A cornerstone of our efforts, for instance, is the implementation of school food programs. It is well documented how providing nutritious meals in schools dramatically increases attendance rates. When children are well-fed, they can concentrate better, meaning they learn more effectively, and are more motivated to stay in school. This simple yet powerful intervention directly addresses both hunger and educational attainment, consequently setting children on a path towards a brighter future.
4. Unlocking Potential: By ensuring children have access to education and basic necessities, we help unlock their inherent potential. Educated and healthy youth are more likely to innovate, contribute to their local economies, and become leaders who can drive positive change within their own communities.

The population figures you see below are based on data collected by GRET in 2021. They are not just numbers; they represent thousands of young lives brimming with potential. Children waiting for the opportunity to thrive. At Nora-Madagascar, we are committed to providing those opportunities, one child, one meal, and one classroom at a time.

Village Population Overview 2021

• Ambodiafana: 684
• Ambourao: 1446
• Ifotatra: 878
• Agnivorano: 1132
• Loukintsy: 1672
• Maromandia: 780
• Analaradzy: 2484
• Ambodifotatra: 5584
• Ambodiforaha: 1524
• Saint Joseph: 2174
• Mahavelou: 1652
• Vohilava: 3574
• Agniribe: 1814
• Sahasifotra: 1580
• Agnafafy: 1141
• Ankobahoba: 1412
• Ambohitra: 524

The total population across all listed villages is 30,055.

Total Population Breakdown by Age Group

Looking at the demographic landscape in 2021
The youngest inhabitants, those aged 1 day to 3 years, number 2,740.
As we move slightly older, the 4 to 10-year-old group expands significantly to 4,561 individuals.
The adolescent and young adults, covering those from 11 to 20 years, show a further increase, with 5,845 residents.
The largest segments of the population fall within the prime working ages: individuals between 21 and 35 years account for 7,039 people. The 36 to 60-year-old group, which is the largest at 7,377.
Finally, the senior population, those 60 years and over, comprises 2,493 individuals.
This distribution underscores the significant presence of youth and working-age adults within the communities.

Understanding Sainte Marie’s Educational Infrastructure

Across the various villages of Ile Sainte Marie, numerous schools serve the community, offering education from early childhood to high school. The infrastructure is diverse, though unevenly distributed:

Early Childhood Education: There are several nursery schools, split evenly between publicl and private institutions. For kindergarten, or Jardin d’enfants, there are more institutions in total, with most being public. 

Primary Education: Primary schools (EPP) are predominantly public, with a smaller proportion being private.

Secondary Education: As children progress, the number of institutions decreases. There are fewer junior high schools (CEG), comprising both public and private options. High school (Lycée) education is the least common, with only a few high schools in total (a majority public and one private).

While this infrastructure provides a foundation, the true challenge lies in ensuring every child can access and benefit from these facilities.

The Alarming Educational Gap

Despite the presence of these schools, a substantial portion of Ile Sainte Marie’s youth is missing out on vital educational opportunities. We see a concerning trend across key age groups:

Ages 5 to 10 years: A significant number of children in this primary school age group are not in school, despite many being enrolled.

Ages 11 to 14 years: For this crucial transition period to junior high, a considerable number of children are not in the educational system during these formative years.

Ages 15 to 18 years: As children approach high school and the end of compulsory education, the gap widens further, with many youth not continuing their education.

Cumulatively, across these key school-going age groups, many children and youth are not enrolled in school. Each of these represents a missed opportunity, a potential unfulfilled, and a future pathway narrowed.

The Far-Reaching Consequences of This Gap

This enrollment gap is not merely a statistical anomaly; it represents a profound challenge with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and the entire community of Sainte Marie:

Lost Potential: Every child out of school is a mind not being fully nurtured, skills not being developed, and potential not being realized. This directly impacts their future ability to secure stable livelihoods, contribute to their communities, and break cycles of poverty. Learn more about the impact of education on potential from UNICEF..

Exacerbated Poverty: Lack of education is a primary driver of poverty. Children who do not complete their schooling are more likely to face limited job prospects, lower incomes, and greater vulnerability to exploitation. The link between education and poverty is well-documented by many global institutions, such as the World Bank.

Community Development Hindered: An educated populace is essential for sustainable community development. When a significant portion of youth is not receiving an education, it can slow progress in areas like health, economic growth, and social stability. The ability of communities to address their own challenges is severly diminished.

Reinforced Inequalities: The reasons for non-enrollment are complex, often rooted in socio-economic barriers such as the need for children to contribute to household income, lack of school fees or supplies, distance to schools, or even the perception of education’s value in the face of immediate hardship. This perpetuates existing inequalities within the community.

Health and Well-being Risks: Children out of school may also be more susceptible to health issues due to lack of awareness, poor hygiene practices, or malnutrition, further impacting their overall well-being.

Bridging the Gap Through Action

At Nora-Madagascar, we see these challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as a clear call to action. Our work, particularly through initiatives like our school food programs, directly aims to address key barriers to attendance. By providing nutritious meals, we incentivize families to send their children to school, ensuring they are not only present but also have the energy and focus to learn. This approach recognizes that basic needs must be met for effective learning to occur.

This is just one crucial step in a comprehensive effort to bridge this critical educational gap and ensure that every child in Sainte Marie has the opportunity to build a brighter future. By supporting foundational education and addressing the challenges that keep children out of school, we contribute to a more educated, resilient, and prosperous Sainte Marie.

You can read more about Children’s Literacy in Madagascar and libraries at Ile Sainte Marie.

The idea for our non-profit organization truly began with a visit to a local school. I witnessed a kitchen in disrepair and a school lacking the resources to offer its students a meal. Sadly, this wasn’t an isolated incident; visits to other schools in incredibly impoverished villages revealed the same heartbreaking picture. This led me to wonder: what difference could it truly make if we simply ensured children received food at school? That wonder grew into a deep conviction: no child should ever have to learn on an empty stomach.

Imagine a child trying to learn on an empty stomach. Concentration wavers, energy levels plummet, and the joy of discovery is overshadowed by the gnawing ache of hunger. The idea for NORA–Madagascar sparked from precisely this observation: a collapsed school kitchen, symbolizing a fundamental barrier to learning. Our mission began there, rooted in the understanding that an educated mind requires a well-nourished body.

For more than a century, countries worldwide have recognized school meals as a powerful tool against hunger and a relief for struggling families. But today, amidst global crises such as failing food systems, malnutrition, educational challenges, economic instability, and climate change, we understand that school meals are far more than just a plate of food. School meals can unleash a cascade of positive effects that contribute to sustainable development.

More Than Just Food: An Investment in the Future That Creates Ripple Effects

When we talk about school meals, we’re talking about a fundamental investment in the future of children and the well-being of entire communities. Here’s why the humble school meal we serve makes such an incredible difference:

• Better Health and Well-being for Our Children: A nutritious midday meal is crucial for children’s physical development. It combats malnutrition, which unfortunately remains a significant challenge. It strengthens the immune system, and provides the energy needed to play, explore, and grow. Studies from The Gambia have shown significantly improved food security and increased dietary diversity among schoolchildren, especially girls. This is the foundation for a healthy and vital life.
• Increased Learning, Concentration, and Mental Well-being: Have you ever tried to concentrate on an empty stomach? It’s almost impossible! For a child at school, it’s no exception. School meals improve children’s ability to focus in class, participate actively, and absorb new knowledge. They reduce fatigue and provide the mental clarity they need to thrive academically. Even more incredibly, studies from The Gambia have shown a 20% reduction in stress and a 25% reduction in depressive symptoms among children receiving school meals. A full, healthy child is a child who can learn, thrive mentally, and build a better future.
• Less Absence and Higher Attendance: When a meal awaits at school, it provides a strong motivation to show up. Families struggling to put enough food on the table are more likely to send their children to school when they know a meal is available. This leads to significantly lower absenteeism and higher attendance, which is crucial for continuous and effective education. School meals create a more stable and engaging learning environment for everyone in the community. This simple provision can be the difference between a child attending classes regularly and dropping out to seek work or food.
• Empowering Women and the Local Community: School kitchens are more than just places where food is prepared—they often become vital community hubs. By involving local women in cooking and sourcing ingredients, we create local jobs and strengthen the local economy. A pilot project in Jordan, where women prepared fresh, locally sourced food, resulted in a tripling of individual incomes for participants and a 33% increase in household income. These women also reported increased life satisfaction, and their male family members showed more progressive attitudes towards women’s earnings. This is about building bridges. It is about fostering a sense of community, and granting women economic independence—and thereby a better life for the entire family.
• Equality and Opportunity for All: School meals can bridge social divides and give all children a chance, regardless of their background. They ensure that even the most vulnerable children receive the nourishment they need, thereby gaining the same opportunities to succeed in school and in life. One meal can be the first step toward breaking the cycle of poverty. For many of the 100 million children who go to bed hungry daily in low- and lower-middle-income countries, school meals make the crucial difference. You can read more about this from the World Food Programme.

Investing in Madagascar’s Future

Ultimately, a school meal is an investment in the future of Madagascar. It’s a fundamental step towards breaking cycles of poverty, improving public health, and cultivating a more educated and resilient generation. When we provide a child with a meal, we’re not just feeding their stomach; we’re feeding their dreams, their curiosity, and their capacity to contribute positively to their world.

For more in-depth information on the broad impact of school meal programs, see studies from IFPRI, Center For Global Development, and the School Meals Coalition.

Your support is crucial for us to continue our heartfelt work. Every contribution, big or small, helps us build more kitchens. It enables us to purchase more local ingredients. To reach more children who desperately need it. Together, we can ensure that more children in Madagascar have the opportunity to learn, grow, and realize their full potential.

Do you want to help make a life-changing difference?

Want to read more about the importance of school meals?

• Do School Meals Boost Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries? A 15-Year Review | Center For Global Development
• World Food Programme