Better Books for a Better Start

Every day the childcare children gather around to enjoy a wonderful book read in their own language, Malagasy.

Sept. 24, 2010 text and photos by Chad Lebo

Considering 140 countries have a higher adult literacy rate than Madagascar, reading is a key concern at Akany Avoko (United Nations Human Development Program report, 2009). Addressing that concern begins early. And rightly so:

The evidence is clear as regards reading aloud to children. Ample research demonstrates that reading aloud to young children promotes the development of language and other emergent literacy skills, which in turn help children prepare for school. (Archives of Disease in Childhood, May 13, 2008)

Tell Me a Story

Esther Randriamamonjy (left) has published over 60 books in her 30 year career in literature and is one of Madagascar's most prolific and accomplished authors. Ravaka (right) has been telling a story for about 30 seconds in the above photo, but she did a fine job nonetheless.

Aug. 29, 2010 text and photos by Chad Lebo

Last Thursday, Akany was lucky enough to play host to one of Madagascar's literati, Esther Randriamamonjy. She is an internationally accomplished author, storyteller and teacher. And a lovely and gracious woman to boot. 

The Akany children were treated to an afternoon of wonderful traditional storytelling by Esther and her daughter, Noreena. The lively and professional presentation was possible thanks to another group of children about 9,000 km north and west of Madagascar.