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

That is why we have launched our Blue Economy Pilot Project – a model that unites sustainable fishing, local empowerment, and school nutrition into one seamless, “closed-loop” system.

What is the Blue Economy?

The “Blue Economy” is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods while preserving the health of the marine ecosystem. For NORA, this means treating local fishers as partners, not beneficiaries.

Our Model: The 50/50 Social Contract

We have launched this pilot with three selected fishers. NORA provides professional-grade, sustainable gear – equipment these fishers have the expertise to use but lack the capital to buy.

In exchange, we establish a transparent social contract:

• 50% for the Fisher: Secures a stable income, professional dignity, and the ability to provide for their family as an independent entrepreneur.

• 50% for the School Kitchen: Provides a direct, fresh source of high-quality protein – the essential foundation of our school meal programs.

To ensure this model works in the real world, our team member Badoda is out on the water. He serves as our liaison, actively fishing alongside the team. This gives us invaluable insight into the daily challenges and catch methods of our partners. We don’t manage from an office; we are on the ground and here also in the boat.

Why “Closed-Loop” is the Only Way Forward

This circular model is superior for three reasons:

1. Independence: We don’t create a dependency on imported food. We leverage the natural resources already available in the community’s backyard.
2. Economic Multiplier: Every Euro invested in equipment converts into hundreds of kilos of protein over time, while simultaneously strengthening local purchasing power.
3. Environmental Stewardship: By providing specific, selective gear, we reduce by-catch and protect the maritime environment that the village’s future depends on.

Deep Dive: Global Context & Strategy

For those looking to explore the theory behind our field operations, we recommend the following resources:

• The World Bank: What is the Blue Economy? Definition and Strategic Benefits.
• UNDP: Circular Economy in Developing Nations: From Theory to Practice.

However, there is a specific kind of magic in replacing that bundle of rags and bags with a professional football. I’ve had the privilege of doing this several times, and the shift in atmosphere is indescribable.

When we provide proper equipment, we aren’t just facilitating exercise. We are telling these children that their “small wins” are seen and valued. We are giving them the chance to move from “making do” to “mastering the game.” In a world where they often have to fight for every resource, a real ball is a rare, tangible reminder that they are worth the investment.

The Physics of Play: Why a Football is More Than a Toy

I recently visited a local school where I met a young boy proudly showing off the football they use every day. It wasn’t leather or synthetic; it was a homemade sphere of rags, plastic, and net.

It is a masterpiece of resourcefulness. But it also is a reminder of the necessity of play – and why I’ve made it a point to bring “real” footballs to these kids whenever I can.

The Classroom Without Walls

We often think of school as a place of desks and blackboards. But many critical lessons happen on the dirt pitch. When they play, they aren’t just burning off energy; they are engaging in a complex laboratory of human development.

• Social Intelligence: Without a referee, every foul and every goal is a lesson in negotiation. They learn to settle disputes, respect boundaries, and advocate for themselves.
• Strategic Thinking: Football is moving geometry. Even with a ball that doesn’t bounce predictably, these kids are calculating trajectories, positioning, and exercising teamwork in real-time.
• Resilience & Small Wins: In a challenging daily environment, a successful pass or a team goal provides a “small win.” These dopamine hits are crucial for mental health and building the grit needed to tackle academic challenges later in the day.

Why “Making Do” Isn’t Enough

There is an incredible beauty in their ingenuity. However, when you give a child a real ball, you aren’t just giving them a toy. You are giving them validation. You are telling them that their game – and by extension, their development – is worth the best tools available. The joy isn’t just about the “stuff”; it’s about the feeling of being seen and invested in.

The Science of Play

The importance of play is well-documented by global experts. According to the UNICEF Framework on Life Skills, play-based learning is essential for developing “transferable skills” like empathy and problem-solving. Furthermore, organizations like Right To Play have shown that sport can significantly improve school attendance and academic performance in marginalized communities.

A Small Change, A Big Ripple

A football might seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of global education. But on that school ground, it is the center of the universe. It is the catalyst for team spirit, the teacher of strategy, and the source of the “small wins” that keep a child’s spirit high.

Next time you see a group of kids chasing a ball—whether it’s made of leather or rags—remember that you are looking at the leaders, negotiators, and strategists of tomorrow in training.

You can read more here:

• RIGHT TO PLAY
• UNICEF : Participation in sport can improve children’s learning and skills development, new Barça Foundation and UNICEF report finds
• UNICEF: Comprehensive Life Skills Framework

There is one thing that from day one captured me just as much as the absolutely breathtaking nature of Madagascar: the fantastic mosaic of the Malagasy people.

The people of this great red island, comprising 18 major ethnic groups, exhibit stunning physical and cultural diversity resulting from a unique history of migration!

The early migration from Borneo/Indonesia, people sailing over the vast Indian Ocean from Southeast Asia, brought the initial language and many physical traits—often associated with the people of the Central Highlands. This was followed by ongoing migration from the East African mainland.

This mix of heritage has resulted in the beautiful ‘many faces’ of Madagascar that I have been so fascinated by and have immensely enjoyed documenting with simple phone portrait snapshots during the past 8 months. Even right here on Île Sainte Marie, where I live and through our NORA work meet so many people, the physical range is incredible, showing how thoroughly Asian and African ancestries, blended by internal migration, paint the stunning diversity of single regions today.

The Diversity Beyond Apperance

The diversity is apparent in not only the physical differences but also culturally and very much so in the language with significant dialectal variations that define regional identity. Just like the land offers an amazing diversity in nature – providing in different ways to the people in the North, South, East, and West – you encounter the same diversity in the faces, the traditions, and the rituals.

It’s in the architecture, the traditional hairstyles, the colors and style of the Lamba, the traditional cloth. The Lamba, worn by both men and women across all regions, reflects the island’s many faces, with types varying by region, material, and ritual function. The Lamba is involved in almost every stage of a Malagasy person’s life: at birth, marriage, in daily life, and in mourning. The cloth’s deepest meaning is how it connects the living generation to the deceased (Razana) through shared tradition and its use in funeral rites.

The Malagasy Spirit: Unity and Fihavanana

But despite the thousands of miles separating their ancestral origins and the variations in their customs, the Malagasy people are bound together by a single, powerful moral force: Fihavanana (kinship, harmony, and mutual support).

Fihavanana is the unwavering pursuit of peace and cooperation; it is the fundamental belief that relationship is more important than money or material wealth. It is the core of their resilience and their spirit.

The Lamba perfectly embodies this balance: it demonstrates both the ethnic diversity (through regional styles) and the profound cultural unity of the Malagasy people (through its universal symbolic importance in ancestor reverence).

The beauty truly is in the diversity itself, unified by this profound shared spirit.

If you want to read more, have a look here:

The History of Human Genetic Ancestry in Madagascar (Oxford Academic)

Malagasy peoples – Wikipedia (Comprehensive Overview)

About the Lamba: The colorfulcloth

Malagasy Culture in a few words – VivyTravel

Fihavanana – Wikipedia

This experience became a stark reminder of the immense privilege of private health insurance. When my illness escalated, the local public hospital’s acute lack of funding, staff, and basic equipment was immediately apparent. My path to recovery required a private doctor making house calls, administering IV fluids, and ultimately, a flight to the capital, Antananarivo, for necessary diagnostics. For the local population, this private intervention is an impossible fantasy. This level of care – being able to travel to get treatment, specialized doctors, high-level diagnostics – is a lifeline for expats and the wealthy, but it highlights a painful truth: for the majority of the Malagasy population, this lifeline simply does not exist.

The Malagasy Healthcare Crisis: An Overview

The public health system in Madagascar faces deep, systemic challenges that translate into a severe lack of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). These issues are especially magnified in rural and remote areas like small islands and the deep countryside.

• Critical Lack of Infrastructure: Many primary health facilities (CSB – Centre de Santé de Base) are poorly maintained, lack electricity for consistent nighttime care or vaccine storage, and often have insufficient basic equipment.
• Financial Barriers: The Cost of Care: With a significant portion of the population living in poverty, the high cost of consultation, medicine, and transport becomes an immediate barrier. Health expenditure per capita is among the lowest in the world. People often delay or forgo essential treatment, viewing hospitals as a last resort.
• Geographic Isolation and Accessibility: For up to 30-40% of the population, walking over 5 to 10 kilometers to the nearest health center is the norm. This physical obstacle, compounded by a poor road network, makes emergency care impossible and routine care difficult, particularly for mothers and children.
• Drug and Staff Shortages: Public facilities frequently suffer from a shortage of essential medicines and qualified medical personnel. In some regions, there are as few as 0.20 doctors per 1,000 patients, placing immense strain on the limited staff who are available.
• High Burden of Disease: The country contends with high rates of preventable infectious diseases, including malaria, diarrheal diseases, and lower respiratory tract infections. Malnutrition rates, especially among children, are also alarmingly high, exacerbating disease vulnerability.

The Two-Tiered System: A Matter of Life and Death

My personal story perfectly illustrates the devastating reality of a two-tiered healthcare system:

The Private Track: For those with means and insurance (like myself), quality treatment, specialized diagnostics (scans, tests), and immediate care are available, often in the capital city, ensuring survival and recovery. This resembles the availability of private hospitals common even in wealthier nations like those in Europe, where private care offers speed and comfort.

The Public Track: For the vast majority of local communities, the consequences are literal matters of life and death. Care is delayed, limited, or inaccessible due to distance, cost, and poor-quality facilities. Crucially, even public hospitals and emergency rooms often demand immediate payment for essential services, medicine, or supplies (the “no money, no treatment” reality). This is a critical distinction from systems where public care is guaranteed at the point of need. This disparity leads to drastically higher mortality rates and sustained health crises, particularly in maternal and child health.

The difference between these two tracks is not just a matter of comfort or convenience; it is the difference between surviving a medical crisis and succumbing to a preventable illness.

A Path Forward: The Role of NGOs and Global Partners

The efforts of NGOs and international partners are vital in bridging this gap. Organizations like UNICEF, MSF (Doctors Without Borders), PIVOT, GFF and others are actively working on the ground to:

• Strengthen primary health infrastructure
• Support community health workers in remote villages.
• Provide mobile clinics and essential medications.
• Combat malnutrition and major diseases like malaria.

These initiatives and the collective efforts of the international community, are essential steps toward achieving true Universal Health Coverage in Madagascar.

We must shift the focus from a system that relies on luck and wealth to one that provides equitable, quality care for every Malagasy citizen, regardless of where they live.

Luck and Privilege

My experience on Ile Sainte Marie – a successful recovery – was a story of luck and privilege, not universal provision.

The existence of private hospitals in developed countries offers a premium service, but the public alternative is typically a functional safety net that guarantees care for all. In Madagascar, however, the public health system’s financial barriers and lack of resources mean that for millions, the difference between the “private track” and the “public track” is literally the difference between living and dying from preventable or treatable conditions. When a public emergency room demands payment before treatment, the system has failed the principle of basic human dignity.

A Call to Action: Investing in the Lifeline

Bridging this chasm requires targeted investment in the most vulnerable parts of the system. Efforts are underway by the Ministry of Health, the GFF, UNICEF, PIVOT, and other partners to:

• Eliminate Financial Barriers: Pilot programs that remove or subsidize fees for essential care, especially for mothers and children.
• Strengthen the Frontlines: Invest in training and deploying Community Health Workers (CHWs) – the true healthcare lifeline for the 40% of the population geographically isolated from a clinic.
• Bolster Essential Infrastructure: Equip Basic Health Centers (CSBs) with supplies, electricity (for vaccine cold chains), and medicines.

You can dive deeper into the facts here:  

World Health Organization (WHO) data indicates that Madagascar has a severe lack of healthcare personnel, noting a ratio of approximately 1 doctor for every 11,000 people (or 0.17 per 1,000 population). Madagascar – Country Disease Outlook (See page 1, “Limited access to healthcare”)

Significant Geographic Barriers to Access: A large percentage of the population lives far from basic health facilities, making timely care difficult or impossible. Healthcare Access and Poverty Reduction: SEED’s Impact in Rural Madagascar (Notes “nearly half of the population living more than 5 km from local health centres”) and Geographic barriers to establishing a successful hospital referral system in rural Madagascar (Notes “more than half lived over 4 hours away” from a hospital)

Critically Low Health Expenditure: The country’s total health expenditure as a percentage of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is extremely low, reflecting a severe lack of public investment.Current Health Expenditure (CHE) in Madagascar is among the lowest globally, recently reported as low as 3.25% of GDP in 2022 (a decline from 3.5% in 2021). Madagascar Health spending as percent of GDP (World Bank data via TheGlobalEconomy.com)

Poor Maternal and Child Health Outcomes: The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is dangerously high, with estimates around 445 deaths per 100,000 live births (2023 data). Madagascar | World Bank Gender Data Portal (See “Maternal mortality ratio”)

UNICEF data also shows a high under-five mortality rate (e.g., 65 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021/2022). Madagascar (MDG) – Demographics, Health & Infant Mortality (See “Under-five mortality rate”)

The NORA-Madagascar School Kitchen: A story told in Wood

Building a new school kitchen isn’t just about construction; it’s about building a foundation for our students’ future.
Our journey to find the right materials took us from our small island of Île Sainte Marie to the bustling port city of Toamasina on the mainland. While we always try to source as much as possible from our local villages, some materials for this project required a trip to the big city.

It’s a true adventure that begins with a vital but often turbulent boat crossing to the mainland. From there, our progress was in the hands of a local “taxi-brousse” (bush taxi). The roads of Madagascar are a notorious mix of what’s paved, what’s left, and a seemingly endless series of deep potholes. It’s an everyday reality here, and you quickly learn to embrace the delays on these unforgiving roads. As the locals say, “Mora Mora“—slowly, slowly—and you realize that patience is an essential skill for life in Madagascar.

The Long, Bumpy Road to Toamasina

The long and bumpy ride was worth it. As Madagascar’s largest port and economic hub on the east coast, Toamasina has a wide variety of goods available, often at more competitive prices than in smaller towns. Navigating the city’s lively markets, like the famous Bazary Be, was an invaluable experience. We visited local wholesalers and factories, surrounded by a fantastic array of both local and imported goods. By purchasing directly from suppliers in Toamasina, we found high-quality materials at a significant cost saving—which allows us to invest even more in the NORA-Madagascar Nutrition Programme.

Building with Wisdom: A Lesson in Traditional Malagasy Construction

Malagasy architecture is a testament to the country’s resourcefulness. Traditional homes often utilize locally sourced plants like bamboo and reeds, while in the Highlands, earth-based construction is more common. For our kitchen, we needed a durable structure that could withstand the tropical climate.

When we first started planning the project, I imagined walls, beams, and a roof. What I didn’t realize was that I was also about to discover a living tradition of how wood is treated, shaped, and cared for on this island. Our journey to build the first school kitchen at Agnafiafy is also a lesson in this quiet wisdom. We are not just laying a foundation; we are discovering a story told in the very wood we will be using—a story of respect, patience, and community knowledge.

The Wood’s Journey: A Time-Honored Tradition

Before the structure can be raised, the wood itself goes on a journey—a vital, time-honored process that protects it from the island’s unique climate. Here, nothing is rushed. After being carefully cut, the logs are not taken to the building site. Instead, they’re submerged in water for weeks.

This “soaking” washes out the saps and sugars that would otherwise invite insects like termites to feast. This ritual of water ensures the wood becomes stronger and more resilient, embodying a deep understanding of the island’s salty air and constant humidity. After its time in the water, the wood is allowed to breathe with the island winds, drying slowly—often on raised platforms, sheltered from the direct sun. This isn’t just a technical step; it’s a patient dialogue with the land.

The community’s deep connection to nature is also reflected in the materials they choose—like the use of falafa (a type of raffia) and ravimpotsy (a specific palm leaf). These aren’t just building materials; they are a direct link to the surrounding forest, used to create natural, ventilated, and harmonious structures. The falafa is expertly woven to form walls that allow air to flow freely, while the ravimpotsy is used for resilient, waterproof roofing. This traditional knowledge ensures every structure is in harmony with its environment, using what the land provides sustainably.

A Kitchen Built with Respect

For our school kitchen, this process means more than a sturdy structure. It means we are building with respect for the land, for the traditions, and for the quiet knowledge carried by the people who call this place home. Each beam will not only hold strength but also a story of how to build and live in harmony with nature.

Soon, this kitchen will be a source of nourishment for 240 children, providing them with a stronger foundation for learning and growth. This kitchen is a testament to the enduring power of community, tradition, and a profound respect for the natural world.

Ready to help build a brighter future? Your support makes a direct impact on the health and education of children in Madagascar. Donate now to the NORA-Madagascar Nutrition Programme and help us continue this vital work!

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.

The Delicate Balance: Choosing Your ‘Voluntourism Project’ Wisely

While the intentions behind voluntourism are almost always good, it’s crucial to recognize that not all programs are equally effective – or ethical. Without thorough research, you risk your efforts having a neutral, or in the worst case, negative impact.

Here are some important considerations you should make, and why thorough research is paramount:

• Local Need vs. Tourism Demand: Ask yourself: Is the project driven by a genuine local need, or is it primarily designed to attract Western volunteers? Authentic projects are rooted in the community’s priorities, not the tourist’s desire for a “meaningful” holiday. Avoid projects that create dependency rather than self-sufficiency. For more on ethical project selection, consider guidelines from reputable organizations focused on responsible travel.
• Skills and Expertise: Do you have the necessary skills for the work you will be doing? An inexperienced volunteer can unintentionally do more harm than good, especially in sensitive areas like childcare or medicine. Projects that require specific skills are often more effective. Be honest with yourself about your competencies.
• Ethics and Child Protection: Exercise extreme caution with volunteer projects involving orphanages or direct work with vulnerable children. Unfortunately, some of these places have unethical practices, and a constant rotation of volunteers can be detrimental to children’s attachment and well-being. Always choose organizations with strong child protection policies and a focus on long-term, sustainable solutions. Look for organizations adhering to international child safeguarding standards.
• Local Embedding and Sustainability: How does the organization ensure its work is sustainable in the long term? Do they employ local staff and utilize local resources? Good projects focus on strengthening the local community from within, rather than creating dependency on foreign aid. A strong indicator is whether local leaders and staff are involved in the project’s planning and execution. Understanding the UN Sustainable Development Goals can provide a framework for evaluating a project’s long-term vision.
• Transparency and Costs: Be aware of program fees. Where does the money go? A trustworthy organization will be transparent about its finances and show how your contributions are used for the project and the local community. Ask for annual reports or detailed budgets.

The True Rewards of Responsible Volunteering

When volunteer efforts are genuinely needed and well-managed, they can offer profound benefits:

• Forge a Deeper Cultural Connection: Traveling as a volunteer, when embedded correctly, offers the chance to move beyond typical tourist experiences. You can live and work side-by-side with local communities, understanding their daily lives and challenges in a unique way. This authentic immersion can build bridges and create lasting memories.
• Experience Personal Growth and a Shift in Perspective: Stepping out of your comfort zone and contributing to a cause greater than yourself can be rewarding. It may help develop your own skills and provide you with a deeper understanding of global issues.
• Make a Direct and Tangible Impact (If Structured Correctly): Your efforts can contribute directly to concrete projects that improve the quality of life for local populations. As is evident in small communities like Sainte Marie, Madagascar, even a little, well-directed help can have a significant effect.

Nora-Madagascar: Committed to Responsible Engagement in Sainte Marie

At Nora-Madagascar, we recognize the inherent risks of voluntourism and are committed to only working with volunteers responsibly. Our primary focus is on working closely with schools and communities in Sainte Marie to improve children’s lives.

We prioritize projects rooted in the community’s own desires and requirements. While we are still a young organization and not yet ready to host volunteers, we see future potential in opening our doors only to those who can contribute specific skills that complement our long-term, sustainable goals.

Your passion for travel can become a catalyst for positive change, but only if it is channeled through responsible, ethical, and locally driven organizations.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sainte Marie – not just as a tourist, but as part of the solution.

Read more about responsible tourism in the article: A Traveler’s Guide to Giving Back!

Want to learn more about Nora-Madagascar and our work?

• Read about our projects here
• See how you can support our work through a donation

Further reading on responsible voluntourism:

• Voluntourism: Does It Help or Harm Communities? (National Geographic)
• Ethical Volunteering Guide (Responsible Travel)
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals (Understand the broader context for sustainable work)
• A Traveler’s Guide to Giving Back: Making Your Sainte Marie Trip Truly Meaningful

As Nora-Madagascar, we are part of this movement, and we know that we are stronger together. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the organizations contributing to development and supporting children and communities in Madagascar. Their efforts span a wide range—from nutrition and education to healthcare and community development—showcasing the diverse approach needed to create lasting change.

Visit the organizations and read more about the efforts to create real change in Madagascar!

• SOS Children’s Villages in Madagascar
  • Focus: Caring for orphaned and vulnerable children. They create family-based environments, provide education, healthcare, and strengthen families so they can care for their children.
• Children Of Madagascar – Ankizy Gasy
  • Focus: This organization supports schooling, school meals, educational materials, and health initiatives.
• Thrive Madagascar
  • Focus: Often concentrates on sustainable development, including agriculture, food security, education, and healthcare, with the goal of empowering local communities towards self-sufficiency.
• ACTION AGAINST HUNGER
  • Focus: Specialized in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition, food security, and access to clean water and sanitation.
• UNICEF Madagascar
  • Focus: Broad focus on children’s rights, including health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, and emergency relief.
• World Food Programme Madagascar
  • Focus: Provides food assistance and supports food security programs, including school feeding programs, especially in regions affected by drought and natural disasters.
• Medecins Sans Frontieres Madagascar
  • Focus: Delivers humanitarian medical aid, especially during crises and in areas with limited healthcare.
• ADRA Madagascar
  • Focus: Works on a wide range of development initiatives, including food security, health, water and sanitation, education, and disaster preparedness.

We believe that by highlighting these incredible organizations, we can foster greater awareness and support for the vital work being done on the ground. Together, we can make an even greater impact for the children and communities of Madagascar.