How we do it

Fianarana starts at the end of secondary 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 needy, motivated young people 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 purely monetary scholarship funding.

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

We know from our own experience that needy Madagascans 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 course is successfully completed within the specified time. If there is a repeat year, 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 installments. We have set this out in writing in the study contracts and are determined to enforce this.

We are aware that a diploma is no guarantee for a self-determined life. That is why we also run individual career entry programmes and ensure that our students arrive well in working life.

At this point, it is worth noting that we are continuously developing 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 preparation and familiarization year with the 2024-28 project round, which will take place in Fihaonana itself. We feel very connected to this community and will not expand the project to other regions even if it is very successful.

We also attach great importance to quality and a direct relationship with our beneficiaries and are convinced that we achieve the best impact with our approach. At the same time, our project management lives in Fihaonana itself and is very well connected locally. The professional skills are available, among other things, because co-project manager 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 key impact goal for the target group is for 90% of students to successfully complete their education within the regular study period and to have a qualified job within six months at the latest, enabling them to live above the international poverty line.

Within the framework of monitoring, Fianarana continuously collects data that is included in the quarterly and annual reports. The main data collected are the resources used (inputs), the services provided (outputs) and the changes in the students' knowledge and behaviour (outcomes). In order to determine the impact of Fianarana on the life situations (outcomes and impact), evaluations are carried out at annual and triennial intervals and ex-post evaluations at the appropriate time.

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

A Fihaonana without poverty.