Madagascar, recognized as one of the world's poorest and most ecologically diverse countries, grapples with a severe environmental crisis characterized by deforestation, soil erosion, climate change, and natural disasters. This crisis not only endangers the unique flora and fauna but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of the Malagasy people, with over 75% of the population living below the poverty line. Children, in particular, face challenges of malnutrition, disease, and limited access to education.

Amidst these challenges, there exists a beacon of hope. Established in 1995, Feedback Madagascar, a charitable organization, collaborates closely with some of the most remote and vulnerable communities in Madagascar. Their mission is to enhance lives and safeguard the forests that are vital for these communities. One of their pivotal initiatives is the school nurseries program, an integral component of the Agroecology Project. This project seeks to provide sustenance, education, and a sustainable future for numerous children living in the forest corridor.

Within this program, Feedback Madagascar empowers children to actively participate in tree planting and protection efforts, both within school premises and their villages. With a remarkable track record of planting and safeguarding two million trees in Madagascar, the organization contributes to habitat restoration for endangered wildlife and enhances soil quality. Children are educated on the crucial role trees play in their environment and livelihoods, instilling a sense of stewardship and responsibility for natural resources.

Sahafy Primary School stands as a testament to the success of this school nurseries project, being one of the 91 schools engaged in this endeavor. With 448 pupils, the school has been part of the School Feeding Programme since 2020 and actively participated in the Agroecology project from the 2021-2022 to the 2022-2023 school year. During this period, Feedback Madagascar provided training to parents, teachers, and pupils on nursery establishment and care practices until the appropriate time for tree planting.

Sahafy Primary School's tree nursery showcased a diverse array, including exotic trees, coffee trees, native trees, and fruit trees. Over the two years of collaboration, they successfully produced 1152 saplings, comprising 304 coffee trees, 798 exotic trees, 25 native trees, and 25 fruit trees. Notably, the fruit saplings found a home in the school's vegetable garden, exemplifying agroforestry techniques. Exotic and coffee saplings were distributed to parents and teachers, while the remaining saplings were planted in the school's reforestation field by pupils and teachers, averaging three trees per pupil per year.

The school nurseries project emerges as a lifeline for Madagascar's children, offering an opportunity to break free from the shackles of poverty and realize their potential. Involving parents and teachers, the project extends its positive impact to the entire community. Furthermore, the initiative significantly contributes to the conservation of Madagascar's distinctive biodiversity, a critical aspect in the global fight against climate change.

Feedback Madagascar operates with a holistic, community-focused approach that prioritizes people's needs. Beyond the school nurseries project, the organization addresses health, livelihoods, human rights, and conservation, aiming to fulfill both immediate and enduring requirements. Our work relies on the generous support of donors and partners, and individuals can contribute to their Treemad campaign by planting or gifting a tree here.