Social Advancement in Madagascar

Fianarana is a non-profit development project that helps reduce poverty among young adults in the village community of Fihaonana in Madagascar.

65

active beneficiaries

90

% flow directly into the project

411’319

CHF donations received

Rindraniaina, Agricultural Engineer from 2027
Volana, Entrepreneur from 2027
Holisoa, Nurse from 2025
Nomena, Automotive Mechatronics Technician from 2025
Social Problem

High Poverty Among Young Adults

Up to 100 pupils graduate from high school in Fihaonana every year. Hardly anyone is then able to complete an education (university studies) and realise their personal career goals. Social advancement remains out of reach.

67

% of children in Madagascar drop out of primary school.¹

81

% of people in Madagascar live below the international poverty line of USD 2.15 per capita/day.²

97

% of ten-year-olds in Madagascar are unable to read and understand an age-appropriate text.²

With ox-drawn carts and no electricity, the people of Fihaonana live as if it were still the 19th century.

¹ Source: UNICEF. (November 2018). Challenges and opportunities for children in Madagascar. Retrieved on the 8th of March 2023 from https://www.unicef.org/madagascar/en/reports/challenges-and-opportunities-children-madagascar.

² Source: World Bank. (07.10.2022). Madagascar: Overview. Retrieved on the 8th of March 2023 from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/madagascar/overview.

Outputs

University Studies with Career Entry Support

University Studies with Career Entry Support

Fianarana builds on Fihaonana's poorly educated high school graduates. It enables motivated young adults to study at university and covers all study and living costs for the Bachelor's programme.

Preparatory Year

Before starting their studies, the participants complete a preparatory year in Fihaonana, which takes place during the day.

  • Intensive French course
  • Career counselling
  • Personality development
  • Study preparation
University Studies

The three-year Bachelor's programme takes place at renowned universities in the capital, Antananarivo. Particularly committed students are also supported in their Master's studies.

  • Assumption of study and living costs
  • Gender-segregated shared accommodations
  • Tutoring services
  • Involvement of parents
Career Entry

After just four years of support, the beneficiaries pursue a qualified profession.

  • Job application training
  • Career entry support
  • Promotion of professional independence

Throughout the entire period of support, the beneficiaries are also accompanied by our social worker Nomena and carer Manitra and provided with food from our own farm.

Outcomes and Impact

A Self-Determined Life Above the Poverty Line

A Self-Determined Life Above the Poverty Line

Fianarana contributes to reducing poverty among young adults. At the target group level, our key impact goal is for 90 % of students to successfully complete their studies within the regular timeframe and, after six months at the latest, to have a qualified job that enables them to live above the poverty line.

I am studying economics with the aim of one day setting up a social enterprise in Fihaonana to produce a range of food products and create jobs for unemployed young people.

Volana Agathe HARIMANGA

Entrepreneur from 2027

I decided to study mechatronics because I want to become a mechanic and start my own business.

Nomena Fitahiana RAJAONARISON

Automotive Mechatronics Technician from 2025

I come from a rural area and want to help farmers. That's why I'm studying to be an agricultural engineer. Also, I wish to run a large farm in the countryside.

Rindraniaina RAZAIARIMALALA

Agricultural Engineer from 2027

Health is important, which is why I take care of patients and want to become a nurse.

Voahangilalaina Holisoa RAKOTOMANANA

Nurse from 2025

I am a law student and aspire to be a judge. It is my aim to help people who have been wrongly accused of a crime they did not commit.

Lahatriniavo Fetra Fitahiana RAHANDRIARINOSY

Judge from 2027

Costs

CHF 8'500 is the cost of a Bachelor's degree

CHF 8'500 is the cost of a Bachelor's degree

Study fees for six semesters, rent for 36 months, 3'500 meals and more: a successful education has its price, even in low-cost Madagascar.

Click on the plus for more details
Study and living costs
CHF 6'375 | 75 %
Preparatory year
Infrastructure, furnishings, salary of the teacher, etc.
CHF 765
9 %
Study programme
Enrolment, semester and examination fees, internships, etc.
CHF 1'785
21 %
Tutoring
French, English, IT, Management, Law, etc.
CHF 340
4 %
Job application training
Professional job application training
CHF 85
1 %
Accommodations
Rent, utilities, internet, furniture, etc.
CHF 1'105
13 %
Additional needs
Health insurance and health costs, clothing, etc.
CHF 680
8 %
Produced food
Fish, meat, eggs, vegetables and fruits
CHF 1'020
12 %
Purchased food
Food that exceeds our own production capacity
CHF 340
4 %
Bus rides (public transport)
Mainly for journeys from the accommodations to the universities and back
CHF 255
3 %
Project work in Madagascar
CHF 1'275 | 15 %
Salaries project work
Salaries for project leaders and carer
CHF 1'105
13 %
Transport and travel costs
Transport in Madagascar and travel between Switzerland and Madagascar
CHF 170
2 %
Fundraising
CHF 595 | 7 %
Salary fundraising
Salary for fundraiser
CHF 510
6 %
Grant applications
Printing and postage costs
CHF 85
1 %
Administration
CHF 255 | 3 %
Administration, IT, auditing and finances
Software, office materials, laptops, printers, annual audit, etc.
CHF 255
3 %
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