The ‘school fund’ (caisse école) allows public institutions to function on a daily basis, but school principals indicate that it does not meet all the needs of their establishments.
Schools are eagerly awaiting the disbursement of this allocation, which is intended for all public schools across Madagascar. A principal of a public primary school in Antananarivo noted that the funds are essential for purchasing basic operating materials like chalk and attendance registers, which are currently in short supply.
The subsidy aims to minimize school-related costs for families. Each school receives two portions: one from the State and another from partners, with the amount depending on the number of students. In 2024, the Ministry of National Education reported distributing 65 billion ariary to nearly 30,000 public schools. However, the use of these funds is strictly limited to specific categories, such as teaching supplies, didactic materials, and minor maintenance work.
Principals argue that while the fund covers daily operations, it is insufficient for infrastructure improvements. Many schools suffer from dilapidated buildings, a lack of desks, and poor lighting. In some rural areas, students are forced to sit on the floor because schools cannot afford furniture. Furthermore, delays in the disbursement of these funds often force schools to wait months after the start of the academic year to purchase basic necessities.
Despite a Ministry of National Education directive prohibiting schools from requesting money from parents for operating costs, many institutions rely on parental contributions to fund projects or pay non-civil servant teachers. Parents, such as Billy Ramarosandratana, express frustration, noting that these costs are burdensome for families without fixed incomes. Principals are calling for more sustainable support, including the provision of durable equipment and the rehabilitation of existing facilities, rather than relying solely on the current school fund model.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-31 05:53:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/education-la-caisse-ecole-necessaire.html