The USG supports Madagascar in establishment of an innovative distance education program

The USAID has officially launched the second phase of its Technological Support to Educators (ATEC-II) program, which is intended to improve education in Madagascar. The relating ceremony took place at Relais de la Haute Ville, on Wednesday January 21 and was attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry of National Education, Ndrianjafy Romain Kleber, and USAID Mission Director, Gerald A. Cashion.

With USAID support, the Ministry of National Education has produced interactive broadcasts for grade 1 and grade 2 children, and series of radio programs for parents’ associations (FAF and FRAM) on school-community partnership, since 2006.

Through the launch of the ATEC program phase-II, the USAID has committed to a continued support to the Ministry of Education to expand distance education. Interactive radio broad casts to support the implementation of the new English language learning program – “It’s time for English”, are expected to start soon for grade 6 children in the 20 pilot school districts (CISCO) of the phase 1. A new generation of interactive radio programs for grade 1 children – “Izaho koa mba te hahay”, will also be broadcast at the beginning of school year 2009 in the 66 pilot CISCOs of the phase 2. A series of radio programs for parents’ associations, FAF and FRAM, is expected to start in September 2009, focusing on school co-governance, and more specifically on the catalytic fund management to ensure scholastic attainments and improve the quality of education.

All the Ministry of Education’s staff, including teachers, school principals, educational advisors, and school district officials will be provided with an English language self-learning kit in 2009. They will be able to use the multimedia tools to enhance their English language skills.