On the Subject of Schools
by Luke Dollar
June 30, 2005

Did you know that $25,000 will build and run a school in Madgascar forever? That could be a primary or secondary school. There are no secondary schools between here and Majunga, some 125 km away. Most village kids have to walk at least 5-10 km to and from the nearest primary schools in larger towns (like Andranofasika). A school building can be built and equipped for $10,000. The remaining $15,000 in principal, invested in even some of the more conservative ways, can pay at least $500 in interest per year. That’s far more than the average teacher’s salary in Madagascar. The village women’s group, EZAKA, has saved almost $10,000 to build a school in their village of Ambodimanga. The local mayor and council have receved a charter to build a secondary school in nearby Andranofasika. The local community has agreed to fund ten percent and provide all labor, but both groups need help to reach their educational goals. Any takers? Email me via luke@duke.edu.