Since 2022, UWS has built 11 schools in Madagascar, giving 2000+ children a higher quality education. But with more than 80,500 primary aged children out of school, ending education poverty demands bigger and more urgent action.

Building climate resilience

Madagascar is navigating the world’s first climate change-induced famine – a staggering 75% of the population of Madagascar live below the poverty line. In the remote regions of the south-west where UWS works, access and retention challenges are exacerbated by the increasing intensity and frequency of cyclones and drought. 40% of children have no access to education and 70% of students drop out before the final grade of primary school. UWS is putting support and structures in place (at national, local and community levels) to make going to school every day a priority for all children in Madagascar.

By educating children and their families on how to adapt to a changing climate, they can find new job prospects beyond subsistence farming and implement innovative farming solutions.

Building basic skills

Less than 20% of students finish primary school with a basic knowledge of mathematics, Malagasy, and French language – critical skills for life. 85% of teachers have never received any teacher training, limiting the scope and quality of the learning experiences on offer in the country. In response, we’re establishing an ‘Administration, Training and Resource Centre’ (ATR) for every 25 schools that we build in Madagascar. These centres support the professional development of teachers and schools and enhance the capacity of the local education authority to deliver high quality education.