According to a study by the Ministry of Health in 2003, 7.5% of Madagascar’s population are said to be disabled. The latest national census carried out in 2018 shows that this is a young population. At present, there are no national programs or subsidies for disabled people or the dedicated organizations that look after them. This relies solely on private initiatives. This lack of access to schooling for children and young people with disabilities means they can’t take charge of their lives or develop as full-fledged individuals. It’s a “disability – poverty” double whammy.
To break this vicious circle, ASED is financing the construction of a new specialized center in Antananarivo, in the center of the country. The project was designed by one of ASED’s local partners, with the aim of making the center sustainable and self-sufficient. It is designed to meet 5 needs:
- Design a specialized facility with boarding, rehabilitation and sports facilities.
- Specialized education for children and young people with cerebral palsy and/or intellectual disabilities.
- Offer vocational training courses : IT, pastry-making, charcuterie, sewing.
- Create income-generating activities that provide the center with sustainable resources to finance its mission. They also promote the professional integration of the center’s young people.
- A couture atelier/boutique working with an internationally renowned Malagasy designer.
- A catering service. The creation of a vegetable garden and farm will supply the school canteen and the restaurant run by the center.
- Room rental service
- Raising awareness and advocating the right to education and employment for people with disabilities: organization of seminars and workshops, participation in televised debates, creation of information kits on disability.
The center will accommodate 60 children and young people aged 4 to 25 with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Specialized education and 40 boarding places will be offered for young people with severe disabilities. 40 places will be available for vocational training.