Open Classroom

Picturing is becoming a real obsession for kids nowadays. That “love of picturing” allowed us to give more chance to save wild species. During our trip to Nosy Manga be, which is an island in the Antongil Bay, we took part in the Photo Ark Challenge, a program with the National Geographic. All along our trip, the kids were picturing any kinds of animals that they saw and tried to learn more about them. All the students enjoyed the trip because not only it was the first time for them to see the island but they also enriched their knowledge about the biodiversity of Mamabaie. Photo: Miora.M Photo: Miora.M Photo: Miora.M

According to researchers, one third of the rosewood in Madagascar is originated from the Marojejy National Park and the two third are found in the Masoala National Park. After having seen a small video concerning the traffic of rosewood in Madagascar, the kids realized that a big part of the Madagascar natural ressources is highly endangered. Once they realize the impact of the destruction of those trees, they were eager to know more about the importance. So, we also introduce a nursery activity at the Open Classroom. Photo: Miora.M Photo: Miora.M

Outdoor activities allow children to feel different from what they do at school. In some places in Madagascar, vegetables are quite expensive and many people cannot afford them. However, around the landscape of Mamabaie, growing vegetables is doable because of the weather which is rainy and warm at the same time. Indeed, that is why we offer courses for kids about gardening. We help them to plant and show them how beautiful it is to crop their own efforts. Gardening is fun! Photo: Miora.M Photo: Johnnah.R

It is important for kids to know that protecting the environment requires good behaviors; but first of all, they surely need to know what to protect and how to do so. During our trip to the Masoala National Park, the kids were very lucky to meet the red ruffed lemur which is an endemic animal in Madagascar. Students learnt that even if lemurs are small comparing to the huge forest, they’re doing big work for the nature. The students also evoke that killing them is unfair. Lemurs should be well-protected since that they take part to help human to live in better conditions. The students realized that lemurs plant trees through the seeds that they eat. “Trees!!! which are source of life… Lemurs plant trees, trees give water and water ensures life ” Photo: Miora.M Photo: Miora.M