The Power of Language: Consequences of the French-Malagasy history

Trine Bom — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:24:27 +0000

Language and Schooling in Madagascar: A Lingering Legacy

While Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, the French influence on its school system remains significant. In public elementary schools across the villages of Île Sainte Marie and the nearby Île aux Nattes, for example, instruction is predominantly in French. This creates a substantial disconnect, as the everyday language spoken by most locals outside the classroom is Malagasy.

This linguistic duality presents a considerable hurdle for many children. Imagine learning complex subjects like mathematics or science in a language you don’t comfortably speak at home. For countless students, this means they either do not speak French at all upon entering school, or they feel uncomfortable and less confident using the language in an academic setting. This can lead to:
Hindered comprehension: Difficulty understanding lessons when the language of instruction is not their mother tongue.
Reduced participation: Children may be less likely to ask questions or engage in discussions if they lack confidence in French.
Lower academic success: This linguistic gap can ultimately impact test scores, repetition rates, and overall educational attainment.
While a few private schools offer solely French instruction, they are not accessible to the majority of Malagasy families. The public system, despite efforts, often leaves children struggling to bridge this linguistic gap on their own.

The Role of Malagasy: Identity and Foundation

Malagasy is the national language, spoken by nearly all Malagasy people across the island. It is the language of culture, community, and daily life. Ideally, early primary education is where children build foundational literacy and numeracy skills in Malagasy, fostering a strong sense of identity and making initial learning more accessible. However, the transition to French as the primary language of instruction later in the curriculum can be abrupt and challenging for many.

NORA-Madagascar’s Commitment to Contextualized Education

At NORA-Madagascar, we firmly believe that an effective educational approach must be deeply rooted in the local context. We recognize the importance of strengthening children’s foundational skills in Malagasy while also seeking ways to support their proficiency in French, understanding its role in higher education and professional life. Our work involves:
Community engagement: Collaborating with parents and local leaders to understand their specific needs and challenges.
Supporting local initiatives: Working with schools and teachers to find practical solutions that consider the linguistic realities.
Advocating for accessible learning: Highlighting the need for resources that help bridge the gap between Malagasy and French instruction.

By understanding these complexities, we can better support the efforts to provide truly quality and equitable education for every Malagasy child.

We invite you to learn more about the rich history of Madagascar and the context in which these children are growing up.

If you want to read more:
General Education in Madagascar (Wikipedia)
Languages of Madagascar (Wikipedia)
UNICEF reports on education in Madagascar
Brill – Chapter 8 Language and Education in Madagascar: Ideological Conflicts and Implementation Challenges
Researchgate: Rethinking Positional of Frenchification and Malgachisation as Educational Challenges in Madagascar After the 1972 Madagascar Crisis

Understanding Malagasy Culture: Connecting with the Communities We Serve

Trine Bom — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:20:17 +0000

At NORA–Madagascar, our mission extends beyond providing meals and safe spaces; it’s deeply rooted in understanding and respecting the rich, diverse tapestry of Malagasy culture. We believe that true impact, blossoms from genuine connection, recognizing that sustainable development isn’t imposed, but built hand-in-hand with the communities we serve.

Madagascar is a land of unparalleled biodiversity, but its cultural landscape is equally unique and fascinating. With roots stretching back to both Southeast Asia and East Africa, the Malagasy people boast a vibrant blend of traditions, languages, and beliefs. The dominant language, Malagasy, is spoken across the island, fostering a strong sense of national identity, yet regional dialects and customs add intricate layers to its social fabric.

Fihavanana

A cornerstone of Malagasy life is “Fihavanana” – a powerful concept encompassing kinship, solidarity, and mutual respect. It emphasizes community harmony, reciprocal support, and the importance of good relationships. This principle guides interactions at every level, from family dynamics to village governance. For NORA, embracing Fihavanana means approaching our work with humility, listening intently to local needs, and ensuring our projects foster unity rather than disruption. We don’t just provide resources; we become part of the community, building trust and working as partners.

Razana

The ancestors (“Razana”) also hold a profound place in Malagasy culture. Reverence for ancestors is central to spiritual life, influencing everything from ceremonies to daily decision-making. Funerary traditions are elaborate and deeply significant, reflecting the belief that the dead remain connected to the living. Understanding this spiritual dimension is vital for respectful engagement and to avoid inadvertently offending deeply held beliefs. Our work, therefore, respects existing social structures and spiritual practices, integrating rather than clashing with them.

Collaboration, ownership, sustainability

Community involvement is not just a buzzword for us; it’s an operational imperative. When we embark on building a school kitchen, for example, it’s not NORA building for the community, but with them. Parents and local leaders are involved from the initial planning stages to the physical construction and ongoing operation. This ensures that projects are truly relevant to local needs, utilize local knowledge and resources, and foster a sense of ownership that is critical for long-term sustainability. This approach reflects the Malagasy value of collective effort and shared responsibility.

The rhythm of life in Madagascar often moves at a pace different from Western societies, emphasizing personal interaction and careful consideration over speed. Patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are essential when working here. By taking the time to understand local customs, social hierarchies, and decision-making processes, NORA–Madagascar builds relationships based on mutual respect, paving the way for more effective and enduring positive change.

Connecting with the communities we serve means stepping beyond the role of a benefactor and embracing the role of a collaborator. It means recognizing that the expertise lies not just in our organization, but also within the wisdom and resilience of the Malagasy people themselves. It’s through this deep cultural understanding that we truly fuel futures, together.

Understanding Madagascar – Nora – Madagascar