00:19The education system in Madagascar faces a number of challenges from low levels of literacy
00:25to high numbers of school dropouts. An approach pioneered in several African countries aims to change that.
00:32Let's find out more in this new episode of Global Japan.
00:39On the outskirts of Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, a general assembly is underway to plan for the new school year.
00:47Parents, teachers and local community members discuss education priorities, but also finances and budget allocation.
00:55They are members of the School Management Committee, led by democratically elected representatives.
01:19These committees are a central pillar of School for All,
01:23a program developed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA.
01:30The project also supports remedial classes tailored to each student's learning level, regardless of age.
01:37Studies show this approach can significantly improve children's reading and math skills.
02:06With School for All, children also receive meals organized by the community,
02:10and preschool lessons inspired by Japanese storytelling methods.
02:16Launched in Nigeria in 2004,
02:19School for All has since expanded to 11 African countries.
02:30Essa project implications.
02:38Good morning.
02:40Seems to be with the title.
03:03In Madagascar alone, the program reaches 2.2 million children in nearly 14,000 schools.
03:10JAICA is now working with UNICEF to expand this approach nationwide.
03:15JAICA has done a really good job of piloting, of experimenting, of demonstrating what works.
03:21And now UNICEF is working with JAICA to mobilize resources that we can ensure that this is implemented in all
03:27the schools in the entire country.
03:29Angela is a former beneficiary of School for All. She says the program helped her academic abilities.
03:36I am not a student, but I am stressed.
03:41I am stressed. I am stressed.
03:45I am stressed. I am stressed.
03:47I am stressed. I am stressed.
03:55Angela now plans to study journalism at university.
03:59Her story illustrates what Madagascar's government hopes to achieve by supporting School for All.
04:27A school for all.
04:30is based on a fundamental idea. Children's education is not the responsibility of teachers
04:36and parents alone, it's a societal choice and a collective responsibility that helps
04:41shape a country's future.
