How we do it

Fianarana starts at the end of high school in Fihaonana. Young people who are willing to persevere have already completed twelve years of low-cost schooling by then, but are unable to pursue their personal career goals due to poverty. We support motivated young people in need by enabling them to study for a bachelor's degree at university and also pay for their living expenses during this time. However, our services are far more extensive than a purely monetary scholarship.

The four-year support period can be extended for committed students to a Master's and possibly a doctoral program. Whether all study and living costs continue to be covered at this point or whether a financial personal contribution is required (e.g. due to part-time study) is decided on an individual basis.

We know from our own experience that Madagascans in need are more likely to forego their studies rather than take out a student loan. Repayment would take decades and put a lot of pressure on already low-income families. We take a middle course and pay 100% of the study and living costs, provided that the degree program is successfully completed within the specified time. If there is a repeat year, the families have to pay for the failed year. If support is stopped because a student seriously violates our rules, all benefits must be repaid in instalments. We have set this out in writing in the study contracts and are determined to carry this out.

We are aware that a degree is no guarantee of a self-determined life. That is why we also organize individual career entry programmes and ensure that our students are well placed in professional life.

At this point, it is worth mentioning that we are continuously improving Fianarana and take the opinions and feedback of students, parents, donors, etc. seriously. In order to prepare the target group well for their studies, make up for educational deficits and only support motivated young people, we are introducing a preparatory and familiarization year in Fihaonana itself from this project round onwards. We feel very connected to this community and will not extend the project to other regions even if the project is very successful.

Furthermore, we attach great importance to quality and a direct relation with our beneficiaries and are convinced that we achieve the best impact with our approach. At the same time, our two project leaders live in Fihaonana themselves and are very well connected locally. The professional expertise is available, among other reasons, because co-project leader Nomena Ramarozatovo has a bachelor's degree in social work and other key people contribute important experience in working with young people.

Fianarana contributes to reducing youth poverty in Fihaonana. Our central impact goal for the target group is for 90% of students to successfully complete their education within the regular period of study and, after six months at the latest, to have a qualified profession that enables them to live above the international poverty line.

As part of the monitoring process, Fianarana collects data on an ongoing basis, which is incorporated into the quarterly and annual reports. In particular, the resources used (inputs), the services provided (outputs) and, at the impact level, the changes in the students' knowledge and behavior (outcomes) are recorded. In order to determine how Fianarana affects their lives (outcomes and impact), evaluations are carried out at annual and triennial intervals and ex-post evaluations at appropriate times.

Our reporting is based on the requirements of the Social Reporting Standard.

A Fihaonana without poverty.