Anjiro Initiative 2024 Fundraiser - Andrainjato

Andrainjato

Located in the southern highlands of Madagascar, Andrainjato is a rural farming community with 13,000 residents, 85% of whom rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. Yet, as the community's population grows rapidly, farmland has become increasingly scarce. Crop yields, too, have diminished in recent years as a result of overfarming and shorter, more erratic rainy seasons.

Recognizing the unsustainability of farming for future generations, Andrainjato has identified youth development and job creation as significant needs in the community. And while the construction of several new schools in the past 20 years has made education more accessible, it remains out of reach for many students whose families cannot afford to pay tuition.

In developing countries like Madagascar, improved educational outcomes have been known to reduce poverty, boost economic growth, create job opportunities, and improve overall health. High school graduates have more access to jobs and are able to continue their education at the university level. Girls who attend school are also less likely to become pregnant as teenagers, a significant challenge in rural Madagascar.

In an effort to make education available to all students in Andrainjato, Anjiro Initiative is developing a scholarship program at Mahatsinjony Elementary School to help children start and progress in school. Roughly 20% of students who enter elementary school leave before completing the fifth grade, largely due to families' inability to afford the tuition, according to the school's principal.

Anjiro Initiative aims to raise $5,000 for the scholarship program in its first year, enough to cover tuition fees for more than 50 students until the end of middle school. Ultimately, we aim to expand the program to include other schools in the community in the coming years.

What is Anjiro Initiative?

Anjiro Initiative is a nonprofit organization run by local leaders that started in the farming community of Anjiro, Madagascar.

Social change requires communities to have agency over their circumstances. Anjiro Initiative contributes to this outcome by partnering with families to provide education to the youth in rural Madagascar, while local heroes assume leadership roles. Learn more at AnjiroInitiative.org.

How are Donations Used?

Donated funds are granted directly to schools to cover the full cost of annual tuition fees for students at the primary, middle, secondary, and university levels. The annual tuition for Mahatsinjony Elementary School is $9 per family; $100 would cover school fees for one student from kindergarten until the end of middle school.

While tuition costs are financed by Anjiro Initiative, Malagasy families cover the required expenses for books, uniforms, field trips, sports equipment, meals, lodging, living expenses, and other incidentals. These expenses typically add up to half of a student’s yearly educational expenditures. The hard work and dedication of local families and leaders, together with donors' support, is an effective partnership that yields results.

Are Donations Tax Deductible?

Yes, Anjiro Initiative is a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit organization, so contributions are tax-deductible in the United States. Donors receive a tax receipt from the PayPal Giving Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity that receives the donations and then grants the funds to Anjiro Initiative.

Is it Possible to Donate Without Using GoFundMe?

Yes, donations are also accepted by check, PayPal, and Venmo.

Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for contributing to this cause, which means so much to the community of Andrainjato.

Donations towards this campaign will first be designated to this community until this fundraiser is fully funded. In the event that this campaign is overfunded, donors understand and acknowledge that their donation will be redirected to Anjiro Initiative’s general fund in order to support other Anjiro Initiative campaigns.