Chester pupils fund new school in poverty-stricken country

Sep 24 2008 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

THE Ambassador of Madagascar visited the King’s School in Chester to sign an agreement which will see them fund a new primary school in the poverty-stricken country.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and access to education is severely restricted due to an acute shortage of schools.

The youngsters plan to raise £6,000 to build a school in a small village called Ampopoha, three hours from Antinanarivo. In 2003, the village school was destroyed by a cyclone. The new school will house the current 220 pupils plus an extra 100 pupils from the area.

Dr Iary Ravaoarimanana visited the school on Wednesday and told the pupils what it meant for the people of Madagascar to have this support

She said: “We in the government of Madagascar have set up an education initiative to give every child in our country the opportunity to learn.

“We want to give every child a chance at Education. I thank you the Government thanks you and the people of Madagascar thank you.”

Sixth formers will visit the school as part of their expedition to Madagascar next summer.

Headmaster Chris Ramsey said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project and the both the Junior and Senior school students are involved in the fundraising and we look forward to getting reports back when our students visit next year.”