Madagascar has not seen significant progress in literacy, according to figures shared yesterday during International Literacy Day. Nearly 76% of the population remains illiterate, according to the official statement made by the Director General in charge of schools at the Ministry of National Education during the official celebration held at the Andohatapenaka Development Council. During the same celebration in 2022, officials also stated that nearly 76% of the population could neither read nor write.
“On one hand, the statistics are not truly up to date. However, it must be noted that many children are enrolled in school, but when they drop out of primary school after one or two years of study, and do not return to school for several years, their acquired knowledge falls back to zero and they are classified as illiterate,” explains an official from the ministry.
The southern part of the island records the highest illiteracy rate. “Faced with this situation, the Ministry of National Education has already initiated several targeted actions in this region,” indicates Serge Dieudonné Mamba, Director of Non-Formal Education.
Efforts have been made to establish Literacy Centers. These centers have facilitators dedicated to literacy, as well as administrative and pedagogical managers. Initiatives have also been carried out at the school level, specifically targeting the parents of illiterate students.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-09 06:24:22 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/education-le-taux-danalphabetisme-stagne.html