Returning to school in Madagascar: Nirina and Mampionona's challenge
The aim of the Graines de bitume association, one of our long-standing partners, is to keep children and teenagers off the streets and away from its dangers (assault, rape, alcohol, drugs, prostitution, etc.), particularly in the Anosibe district of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
With the increasing number of young people in street situations, it is important to talk about the ones who have managed to get off the streets thanks to the support they received: ‘Through their exemplary journeys, Nirina and Mampionona clearly show that with the right will and support, anything is possible’, admits Hery Randrianarisoa, head of the educational programme and the activities of Graines de bitume.
Nirina and Mampionona both spent their childhoods in an unsanitary, precarious and overcrowded environment. Located in a marshy neighbourhood surrounded by makeshift shacks, their world was limited to a windowless 9m2 room, with the only light coming from the front door left open or the kitchen light bulb.
As launderers, their mothers earned barely 3 dollars a day. On the advice of friends and family, they came knocking at the door of Graines de Bitume: lacking the financial resources, they couldn't send their children to school.
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Nirina, a young man of unfailing determination
Nirina, 21, joined the association in 2013. ‘Without Graines de bitume, he wouldn't have been able to continue his education or have the necessary school supplies. I'm delighted that Graines de bitume has agreed to look after Nirina. I'm so grateful’, says Angela, his mother, a widow with three children.
Nirina has shown great courage. Every day, he walks for three hours - there and back - to go to school where he is preparing for his general baccalauréat, and then to the community centre for lunch. The same goes for Saturdays, when he enjoys his favourite activities: theatre and music. It's nothing for me and it doesn't discourage me,’ he admits. Because next year, I'd like to go to university to learn more and become a tour guide. That way, I'll be able to help my family as much as I can. Our family is proud of Nirina," concludes his mother. He is an example for our neighbourhood.
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Mampionona, a young woman transformed
Mampionona is 20 years old today. With no father, she spent her days alone at home when she was a child. Her mother, a laundress, worked outdoors all day. ‘Since she joined Graines de bitume in 2011, my daughter has undergone a metamorphosis. I'm really happy with the person she's become, thanks to the association's staff and volunteers. They help me to teach her respect for others and encourage her to succeed in her studies. Her results are remarkable. Mampionona is now a wise and responsible young woman. This motivates me to face the challenges of everyday life,’ explains Jacqueline, her mother.
Mampionona has a thirst for knowledge and regularly visits the centre's library. Keen to help her mother financially, she continues to improve her skills in the circus arts discovered by the association and takes part in shows to raise a little money. The young girl continues: ‘ Without the help of Graines de bitume, I wouldn't have been able to go to school, get my baccalauréat or continue my studies in a second year of management. I want to get a master's degree so that one day I can become a human resources manager. Dance, slam and circus - all these activities have enabled me to overcome my shyness, open up to others and dream about this profession.
Support towards a better future
Thanks to the training they have undergone and the knowledge they have shared in Madagascar or abroad as part of training courses and exchanges of practices, the Graines de bitume teams enable children to return to school. The older ones are also supported to enable them to continue their studies beyond the baccalauréat or to find a career path through training, an internship or a job in sectors such as the hotel and catering industry, tourism, logistics, metalwork, mechanics, woodwork, beauty and hairdressing, etc.
With the support of the association's employees, volunteers and partners, 167 children and teenagers were enrolled in school in 2023, 100 young people completed an internship and 76 found a job. We don't want these boys and girls to be top of the class,’ concludes Christine Magny, coordinator of Graines de bitume, ’but young people who are building themselves and succeeding in their life project. For me, helping them to look to the future with courage is a noble task. Every day, it drives me to go to Graines de bitume with great enthusiasm!