Three primary schools in Toamasina I, Madagascar, have benefited from renovated classrooms thanks to funding from Helios Towers Madagascar. The renovation project was initiated after cyclone Gezani hit the area on February 10-11, causing significant damage to the local education system. A total of 1,055 classrooms were damaged, with 224 partially and 80 completely destroyed.
The renovation project was redirected from Antananarivo to Toamasina I by Helios Towers Madagascar as part of its social responsibility initiative. According to Holy Andriamanamihaja, the company's general director, the decision was made to intervene where needs were most urgent. The schools that benefited from the renovation are EPP Manangareza, Espérance, and Ambohijafy, each receiving one renovated classroom.
The renovation work, carried out by Andao Company under the technical partnership of Zina Raminosona, covered various aspects, including roofing, false ceilings, painting, doors, windows, and blackboards. The project also included an ecological component, with Andao Company manufacturing 75 tables and benches from recycled plastic. This initiative helped recycle approximately 1,875 kilograms of plastic waste.
The use of recycled plastic for the tables and benches is a significant aspect of the project's ecological component. Each table and bench is made from around 25 kilograms of locally collected waste, equivalent to nearly 50 15-liter buckets. This approach demonstrates the concept of a circular economy, where waste is collected, recycled, and transformed into useful products.
The renovation project has provided a safer learning environment for 1,817 students from the three schools. The initiative is an example of a responsible business creating concrete and sustainable benefits for the community. According to Zina Raminosona, the goal is to contribute to creating safer conditions for students to learn and build their future.
The project was carried out in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Dren Atsinanana, Cisco Toamasina I, and the Talim project. The successful completion of the renovation work is a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved through partnerships and social responsibility initiatives.
The rehabilitation of the classrooms is a significant step towards restoring the education system in Toamasina I, which was severely affected by cyclone Gezani. The initiative demonstrates the private sector's role in supporting the community and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- Helios Towers Madagascar funded the renovation of three primary schools in Toamasina I.
- The project included an ecological component, recycling approximately 1,875 kilograms of plastic waste.
- The renovation work provided a safer learning environment for 1,817 students.
