For the children of Anjando, a community within Wildlife Madagascar’s fourth field site in the Angavo-Mandrare Landscape, books have always been out of reach. None of these children have ever owned a book, and neither have their parents. Until now, very few books existed at their school: the cost simply puts them beyond what families can afford.
Thanks to the generosity of Wildlife Madagascar’s supporters, that has changed. A new school library has been established in Anjando, giving 70 students regular access to books and the opportunity to discover the joy of reading for the first time.
This library is part of a growing network. Wildlife Madagascar now has libraries operating at three of its four field sites: an investment in literacy that matters deeply in communities where the literacy rate can be as low as 11%. Where schools do exist in the areas where Wildlife Madagascar works, they often lack books, electricity, or even basic supplies. Expanding access to education is a core part of the organization’s conservation mission: when communities have opportunities to learn and thrive, they become stronger partners in protecting the forests and wildlife around them.
Wildlife Madagascar hopes to establish libraries in every school within the communities where it works, ensuring that every child has access to the books and opportunities they deserve.