Meals served to students meet National Education Ministry standards. For Vara Mada, the first distribution of meals under the Mianatra project represents a source of pride. The project launch ceremony took place last Tuesday at EPP Ambohitsabo, in Toliara I commune, in the presence of regional, municipal and educational authorities, as well as representatives from Vara Mada and Global Communities.
10,000 Children
A program that certainly brings joy to students. From now on, 10,000 schoolchildren in 35 public preschool and primary establishments in Toliara, in the Atsimo-Andrefana region, will benefit daily from a meal under Mianatra, the school canteen program financed by Vara Mada and implemented by Global Communities, in partnership with the National Education Ministry.
Last Tuesday, cooks served nearly 300 plates to students at EPP Ambohitsabo in Toliara I, selected along with Maromiandra for the joint visit marking the launch of Mianatra school canteen meals. The program covers five communes bordering Vara Mada operations: Toliara I, Belalanda, Ankilimalinike, Tsianisiha and Maromiandra. In total, 2 million meals will be served annually for 68,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries. Distribution follows a "school day, canteen day" formula: the number of meals prepared is based on attendance from the previous day.
1.2 Million Dollars
For Virginie Bahon, General Director in charge of community relations at Vara Mada, the day was "a great day and a great honor." She recalled the program's mission—enabling children to "grow, learn and succeed"—and its operational approach, designed "with and for communities." Food is purchased locally, and the program aims eventually to source directly from regional producers. Operational funding amounts to 1.2 million dollars annually, provided by Vara Mada. If the project continues in 2026-2027, the stated ambition is to double coverage and extend canteens to all schools in the five communes.