The Vanona project · Madagascar
The Vanona school project
Vanona is a school project in Madagascar, led by Terra Colibris. It rests on three equally important pillars: education, a connection with the land, and cooperation with parents and the community.
Full project (PDF, French)A comprehensive approach
Connecting school and living conditions
A child’s opportunities to learn also depend on nutrition, health, the environment and family circumstances. Vanona addresses these dimensions together: education, a connection with the land and support for families reinforce one another rather than being separate activities.
This cross-cutting approach aims to improve living conditions for children and those around them while developing their ability to act. The aim is to enable a new generation to grow with the knowledge, independence and confidence needed to shape their future and find solutions suited to the realities of their community.
01 - Education
The educational project
The educational project combines an enriched Malagasy curriculum with active teaching methods. It supports children’s intellectual, physical, emotional and social development in a caring, inclusive setting.
- Teaching in French and Malagasy, adapted to each pupil’s pace.
- Experimentation, group projects, arts, sports and practical activities.
- Teaching values and developing personal qualities
- Support for children with disabilities or additional needs.
- Balanced school meals, hygiene and health support to help children learn.
02 - The land
A connection with the land
A connection with the land is an integral part of the project. The garden and the permaculture approach offer a practical setting for learning subjects across the school curriculum. Outdoors, children observe, experiment and carry out projects that give meaning to what they learn. They connect knowledge with real situations while discovering ecosystems, food and resource management.
- A learning garden: growing plants, caring for soil and observing biodiversity.
- School subjects in the garden
- Growing fruit and vegetables to help supply the school kitchen.
- Composting, waste sorting and responsible water management.
- Cooking workshops and activities that build environmental awareness.
03 - Community
Parents and the community
The school is developed with families and is part of its local community. Parents take part in education and shared activities. Social support and the exchange of skills strengthen connections between the school, households and the wider community.
- Parents’ participation in school activities and everyday school life.
- Discussions and training in health, nutrition and sustainable farming.
- Social support adapted to families’ needs.
- Cooperation with local residents, associations and organisations.
Project status
A location and local partners to identify
Vanona is in its preparation phase. We are looking for a partner community in Madagascar to develop a project grounded in local needs. The school’s location remains to be defined. We welcome partnership proposals from associations, local authorities, educational institutions, businesses and other organisations in Madagascar and internationally.
Find a partner community
Meet communities in Madagascar and identify their educational needs.
Define the conditions for delivery
Choose a location and develop the educational project with local stakeholders.
Prepare for opening
Assemble a team, establish a budget and seek the funding needed.
Frequently asked questions
Who leads the Vanona project?
The Vanona project is led by the French association Terra Colibris. It coordinates preparations, seeks partners and brings together skills and resources.
Where will the school be located?
In Madagascar. The exact location remains open: we are looking for a local setting and a community keen to build the project with us.
Is the school already open?
No. Vanona is in preparation. Photographs on this site illustrate education in Madagascar; they do not show an operational Vanona school.
Who is Vanona intended for?
The project is aimed at preschool and primary school children, with particular attention to vulnerable families and children with additional needs. Admission arrangements will be defined with local partners.
How can I contribute?
Write to us to share a skill, suggest a local partnership or learn about the project’s needs. Ways to support Vanona will become clearer as it develops.
Contact
Find out more or offer a contribution
For questions about Vanona, partnership proposals or skills you would like to share, please write to the association.