Ecole Jacques Sylla Digital Literacy Project

Hi, my name is Thomas and I work as the headteacher of the college (secondary school) at École Jacques Sylla, a small private school of 249 pupils on the island of Sainte Marie.

Sainte Marie is a small island off the east coast of Madagascar measuring 45 km long and about 20 km wide. It is composed of 2 islands, Sainte Marie and Iles aux Nattes. The official name of the 2 islands is Nosy Boraha - Ibrahim (the first person to step in the island) island. Sainte Marie is bossing the name of the 2 islands for Outsiders. The local economy of Sainte Marie is largely based on agriculture and fishing, with many residents relying on these industries to make a living. However, in recent years there has been a growing focus on tourism, with the town's picturesque scenery attracting an increasing number of visitors each year.

Education on Sainte Marie

When it comes to education, Sainte Marie is clearly in need of support. While there are a few primary schools in the area, access to quality education for children aged 2 to 18 years is limited. Nosy Boraha has a population of 30 000, around 15 000 of school age, and for every 100 pupils in school, only 15 to 20 make it to the University. Around 64% make it to year 7, 44% to year 10, and 34% to Baccalaureat. Then more dropouts on the journey to university. 1.5% of school-age children in Sainte Marie are at Jacques Sylla.

My Hearts Desire

My next project before I die is to increase digital literacy in the local community. In Sainte Marie, a computer in any office is for playing Solitaire or Freecell. They prefer writing by hand to using computers. Smartphones are for connecting to Facebook. Computers in cyber cafes are for pirating CDs. These facts make my heart bleed. I know I'm a drop in the ocean, but a big river starts from a snowflake.

Transforming Digital Literacy & the Local Economy

This is where École Jacques Sylla comes in. By providing state-of-the-art computer facilities, printers and a photocopier, the school aims to enhance the educational experience for its students and help bridge the gap in educational provision in the area. The school plans to open its computer facilities to the wider community, providing access to technology and helping to increase digital literacy levels in Sainte Marie. This will enable individuals to develop new skills and enhance their employment prospects, contributing to the long-term development of the local economy.

I hope to work with École Jacques Sylla to establish a community digital literacy programme for 60 local residents to attend a 3-month training course during the year (3 cohorts). I also hope to establish an internet access facility with the school for local residents to use outside of school hours. This will create jobs for staff to manage this facility, ideally added to the IT department.

A total of £25,000 will ensure the purchase of at least 20 computers, 3 printers and 1 photocopier and pay the staffing costs for the community training provision and the internet access facility for the first year.

Facts About Ecole Jacques Sylla

École Jacques Sylla has a kindergarten of 105 children, a primary school of 102 children and a secondary school (college) of 39 students. Currently, the typical IT class size is 30 pupils, and we have an IT department with just 4 laptops. Imagine trying to take that class.

A Word From Yvette

There is a huge digital literacy gap that exists between children in the UK and children at Ecole Jacques Sylla in Madagascar. This gap hinders economic development in that country. This is also true for other parts of Africa. Thomas is a very dear friend who I met many years ago at university in the UK. After graduating he worked for many years as a Maths teacher here in the UK. He eventually returned to Madagascar to give back there and is well-positioned to deliver this digital literacy project. As an IT professional myself I am committed to increasing digital literacy wherever there is a need. His have always been a safe pair of hands. Please donate what you can to help close this gap and change the life outcomes for this community. Come back to add to your donation if you can.