Madagascar - A Developmental Approach to Community-Based School Management

Abstract

Over the past seven years, the Government of Madagascar has focused on involving communities in controlling their own primary schools. With the support of the World Bank, the Ministry of Education has developed and implemented principles, strategies, and procedures that move towards this objective. Implementation is addressed in the framework of the involvement of village communities not only in the rehabilitation, construction, and maintenance of primary schools, but also in their management and supervision. Collaboration between the Government and the Bank was based on five key guiding principles: a) the use of existing structures; b) needs are determined at the school level; c) a 'systemic' view or perspective; d) a working contract; and e) a holistic approach to problem-solving and management. The evaluation of school contracts was carried out by the ministry through the services of the district office staff. On the basis of the evaluation, at the end of each school year the ministry prepares a critical review of the strategy effectiveness as well as a program to update and improve it, in order to improve the year's program and approach.