From the beginning of its inception, the project has stayed true to one goal:
To release the potential of a nation.
We wholeheartedly believe this is best achieved through education, and have stayed true to this focus over the past 16 years to deliver affordable, quality schooling to children in Madagascar.
Today, CLC Anosibe offers the full cohort of year levels, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. At the other end of the city, CLC Itaosy will open their first Grade 11 class in October later in the year.
All of this has been made possible by the unwavering vision and commitment of the Malagasy and Australian teams, and by the consistent generosity of the project’s donors.
The significance of their investment is not lost on the students, staff, families and dignitaries who engage with the learning centres. Each one desires to see a progressive and prosperous country, with dynamic young leaders at its helm.
Education helps make this desire a reality.
Many of the people who have given finances will never have the unique privilege of personally shaking hands with the students whose lives they have indelibly changed.
For all our donors reading, it was an honour to do this for you. Spending most of our time at the schools during our visit, over and over again we were thanked on your behalf for the kindness, faithfulness and belief you have constantly shown through many years of support.
The words were joyful, and heavy with a gratitude too deep for true expression. It was obvious that the realisation of what life could be like for them, without the opportunity to study, is a palpable motivation.
One moment summed it up perfectly.
On a school day at CLC Anosibe, some of the team were upstairs with the Grade 12s who had just taken a break from classes to greet ‘the Aussies’. Somehow, the conversation turned to singing and we found ourselves being serenaded by an accomplished acapella choir.
We weren’t fully prepared for what was about to happen. What started as a simple request, turned quickly into an unforgettable few minutes as they told us a story in song. The chorus still rings in our heads today:
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
*’You Raise Me Up’ by Josh Groban, 2003.
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be*
They were more than words for these teenagers. More than a popular song with beautiful harmonies. It was their story. Each of their stories. The stories of all the students coming and going, learning and listening, hoping and believing.
Carried as a burden by some elsewhere, education in the CLCs is regarded as a gift, given in goodwill and received with profound gratitude.
This partnership forged between two nations almost two decades ago is stronger than ever. Students continue to stand on the shoulders of all those who partner with the project – past, present and future.
We thank you for whatever part you’re playing in releasing the potential of Madagascar through education and raising the next generation of their young leaders.
