PRINCETON: Former teacher to present ‘Real Madagascar’

   Many people have caught a glimpse of Madagascar from the animated film, but Chad Lebo, who taught at both Littlebrook Elementary and Community Park School, and his wife, Cindy, have gotten to know the real Madagascar. And he would like to invite the community to a presentation he’s giving this Friday called “The Real Madagascar.”
   The couple moved to Ambohidratrimo, Madagascar, in 2008 when Mrs. Lebo’s work with the Missouri Botanical Gardens led them there. Mr. Lebo now works as the development manager for Akany Avoko, a center for children.
   Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Fifty percent of its population is below the poverty line, according to the CIA World Factbook.
   With a population of approximately 20 million, only 40 percent of its students register for the high school graduation exam, said Mr. Lebo.
   Madagascar has experienced a population explosion in the last decade. Forty-three percent of its population is under the age of 15, according to the CIA World Factbook. The most effective means to reducing the birth rate, something Mr. Lebo described as vital, is the education of women.
   Akany Avoko, which means home of the avoko flower, is staffed by Malagasi social workers, teachers and international volunteers. The center provides a haven for about 120 at-risk children who would otherwise have nowhere to go.
   All of the children were referred by the state; they were either homeless, suffered extreme poverty or are at the center because of being accused of petty crime. The center also tends to the medical and psychiatric needs of its children.
   Akany Avoko believes education is essential for their children to break the cycle of poverty. Children up to the equivalent of fifth grade study at the on-site school. Beyond those grade levels, they are sent to local private schools to complete their education.
   The center aims to help each person to reach independence. It also has a halfway home for girls as well.
   The center has focused on sustainability. They have solar water heaters and compact fluorescent light bulbs. A passive solar clothes-drying system uses the drip-water to irrigate salad greens. Next month, a windmill will be installed. The home uses rocket stoves, which use 50 percent less fuel and burns a smokeless fire.
   One of the fastest ways to improve education in the country is to reduce the student-teacher ratio, said Mr. Lebo. Currently, many of the classes have 60 students and 1 teacher. A teacher working in the country makes $25 per month, said Mr. Lebo, which means that a relatively small contribution can make a significant impact there.
   The home has a sponsorship program as well. The cost of caring for and education one child for a year is 60 euros (approximately $86). Often, the children will have more than one sponsor. The children do write to their sponsors and feel as though they are aunts and uncles, he said.
   Mrs. Lebo is now working part-time in Omaha, Neb., and part-time in Madagascar. The couple plans to continue their residence in Madagascar for another two to three years.
   Mr. Lebo’s presentation is open to the public and will offer information regarding the people, the social situation of the country and plant and animal life. All proceeds raised will go directly to the children’s home and for educational projects they are involved in.
   The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at Littlebrook Elementary. For more information about the center, see www.akanyavoko.com.