OVERCOMING CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN MADAGASCAR

Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles: Securing Birth Certificates

One of the major challenges was the lack of birth certificates for many students. In Madagascar, a birth certificate is essential for school enrolment and exam registration. However, due to various reasons, including limited access to healthcare and bureaucratic hurdles, a significant number of students lacked this crucial document.

Sahaza recalls the urgency of the situation: “About 90% of the students from the primary schools didn’t have birth certificates. It was a race against time. Without this document, no child could register for the exam.”

To address this issue, UWS Madagascar undertook a massive initiative to obtain birth certificates for the students. This involved coordinating with local authorities, healthcare providers, and legal institutions. The process is time-consuming and complex, which is why many parents are lost when they must apply for this alone, but the team persevered, ensuring that as many students as possible were able to register for the CEPE exam.

Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Geographical Barriers

Another significant obstacle was the distance between the students’ homes and the exam centres. In some cases, the journey was over 40 kilometres, which would have required students to walk for hours. To alleviate this burden, UWS Madagascar organised transportation for the students and their parents, ensuring that they could reach the exam centres comfortably and on time.

Osny describes the challenges faced by the students: “Before UWS’s intervention, parents and students travelled by canoe if the wind was favourable; otherwise, they walked. With the canoe, the wind is often unstable, and to be sure, most of these students walk and sleep by the roadside.”

“I believe we greatly contributed. The transportation of these students first ensured the presence of each student. Some of them cannot walk long distances and do not reach the exam centres, or if they do, they are exhausted and unable to take the exam”

A Brighter Future

The impressive 99% pass rate in the CEPE exam is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. However, the significance of this achievement extends far beyond the immediate results.

For the students who passed the CEPE exam, it opens up pathways to further education. This will equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to their communities and the country as a whole.

Moreover, the success of these students serves as an inspiration to younger generations. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve academic success. This encourages more children to stay in school and pursue their educational goals.

UWS Madagascar continues to work towards its mission of providing education for all, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed and build a brighter future. The journey is far from over, but with the continued support of the community and dedicated individuals like Osny and Sahaza, the future looks promising for the children of Madagascar.