Passing Madagascar’s national primary school exit exam (CEPE) is a major milestone for students across the country. For 13-year-old Yves Rosalin, it became a point of pride for his entire community. His high score earned him the title of laureate award winner, distinguishing him as the top student in Beloha district.
Yves Rosalin’s achievement reflects his own determination, but it also points to the steady progress of Menalamba Community School. Once operating with a single classroom, the school now ranks among the highest performing schools supported by Mianatra. This U.S. government-funded project, implemented by Global Communities in partnership with Catholic Relief Services and FHI 360, works with 150 schools across Madagascar to strengthen literacy, improve learning conditions, and provide nutritious meals that help children stay focused and in class.
At Menalamba, these investments have made a noticeable difference. The school’s principal, Mr. Soazafy, is known for his discipline and commitment, often offering extra classes during holidays and school breaks. Teachers bring that same dedication to their classrooms, creating spaces where students feel supported and motivated to learn.
That sense of commitment extends beyond the school grounds and is shared by many families in Beloha. Through Mianatra and its partnership with the Ministry of Education, parents like Yves Rosalin’s have taken part in the Parent School program, stayed engaged through Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, and followed their children’s progress more closely at home. This kind of involvement has become increasingly common, as families recognize the role they play in their children’s learning. In Yves Rosalin’s household, that consistency produced clear results: all three children passed the CEPE exam in the same school year.
Students are taking more ownership of their education as well. Some walk as far as eight kilometers to reach Menalamba Community School, arriving on time for the start of class. When lessons end, many return home together. Those who finish early often wait in the reading corner created through Mianatra to read quietly while classmates complete their work.
These small routines reflect larger changes at Menalamba. Since beginning work with the Mianatra project, the school has grown through close collaboration among parents, teachers, and local leaders. Together, the community has focused on making the school a safer and more supportive place to learn. Improvements have included fencing the schoolyard, planting a garden, and building three additional classrooms using local materials. They also added separate toilets for girls and boys, including a shower for girls. Each step followed a school action plan shaped by the community itself.
These collective efforts have led to measurable progress. In September 2025, Menalamba Community School received Level One certification as a “WASH-Friendly School,” reflecting strong engagement around improved hygiene practices. Enrollment has also risen steadily, increasing by 77% since 2022. More families are choosing to send their children to school and keep them there.
Inside the classroom, students are strengthening foundational skills. Through remedial classes using the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, students in grades T2 to T5 have improved reading and writing outcomes. At the beginning of the school year, only 19% were reading at their expected level. By midyear, that number had grown to 36%. By the end of the year, 109 students, or 78% of the group, had reached mastery.
Yves Rosalin’s CEPE results stand out, but they are not an exception. They reflect what can happen when schools receive steady support through projects like Mianatra and when families, teachers, and communities stay engaged over time. At Menalamba, the focus remains on helping more students reach this milestone for years to come.