Expanding access to education in mining communities
This week, the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) celebrated the inauguration of the first two community primary schools the organization constructed and equipped in Madagascar’s Androy region, marking an important milestone in improving access to education in mica-producing communities. The schools currently accommodate 621 children.
The inaugurations took place:
- On June 22 at the Fokontany Befasy community primary school
- On June 23 at the Mafelefo community primary school
Both ceremonies were held under the high patronage of Dr. FIRAVOA Djiby Jean Berthinot, Chief of the Androy Region.
These schools are part of RMI’s broader commitment to supporting community development and addressing the root causes that keep children out of school and vulnerable to child labor in mica mining areas.
Strong local engagement around education
The inauguration ceremonies were attended by Mr. ANDRIANARIVO Milasoa Edmond, Regional Director of National Education for the Androy Region, and Mr. DE ROUILHAN Alexandre, Country Director of the Responsible Mica Initiative in Madagascar, alongside the mayors of the rural communes of Andoharano and Ampamanta, Mr. SOJA Velontsaotse and Mr. FAGNAMPE, respectively.
Each inauguration included official speeches, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, performances by children and teachers, school visits, and community celebrations.
Creating opportunities for children through education
The construction of schools in remote mining communities represents a major step toward improving children’s access to education and reducing the risks associated with child labor in mica mining.
For many villages in southern Madagascar, the absence of nearby educational infrastructure has historically limited school attendance and increased the risk of children accompanying adults to mining sites. By bringing schools closer to communities, families are better able to keep children in education and away from hazardous work environments.
Befasy School:
- Number of households sending children to school: 224
- Current number of students: 306
- Primary school: 202
- Preschool: 104
- Children come from six villages surrounding Befasy.
Mafelefo School:
- Number of households sending children to school: 124
- Current number of students: 315
- Primary school: 233
- Preschool: 82
- Children come from three villages surrounding Mafelefo.
A growing investment in education infrastructure
Construction of the Befasy school took place between May 2025 and August 2025, while construction of the Mafelefo school was completed between June 2025 and October 2025.
These inaugurations mark the first two schools built with the support of the Responsible Mica Initiative in Madagascar. Two additional schools have already been completed and are expected to be inaugurated at the end of August 2026.
Through these projects, RMI continues to support practical, community-driven solutions that improve living conditions, strengthen access to education, and contribute to more responsible mica supply chains in Madagascar.
Education as a foundation for long-term change
Education remains a key pillar of community empowerment and child protection. By supporting school construction in vulnerable communities, RMI aims to help create safer environments for children while fostering long-term social and economic development.
These inaugurations reflect the importance of collaboration between communities, local authorities, and responsible sourcing stakeholders in building sustainable change across Madagascar’s mica-producing regions.
