Malagasy students - access to employability in IT

Madagascar is one of the five poorest countries in the world, 81% of its population lives below the extreme poverty line and only 11% of Malagasy people are in formal employment. 2⁄3 of the population are under 25, and 500,000 young people enter the job market each year for only 40,000 formal jobs created. The enrolment rate, 76% in primary education and 27% in secondary education, drops to 13% for higher education. At the same time, the island is facing a growing need for labor in the digital field, which is very active in the country.  Digital companies face a growing need: 7,500 profiles are needed each year, while only 700 students are trained.

In 2022:

Training - During a one-year post-high school preparatory course, young Malagasy students are introduced to and trained in digital careers. Their training is divided between academic classes and pro-bono interventions from private companies supporting the project. The training incorporates innovative and interactive educational approaches that allow for an indepth learning process and the improvement of problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to new challenges. The training program is spread over 2 semesters and is made of four educational modules and internship: applied sciences, IT, languages and communication, soft skills. Students also visit universities and companies to discover possibilities in terms of orientation and the realities of the job market. In addition, they complete a one-month internship at the end of the preparation year to better understand and experience professional life. At the end of this preparatory year, we guide our students towards post graduate studies or a professional path, through a tailored guidance adapted to their skills, their desires and in line with the needs of the local market. Those who pursue their studies (100% of our inaugural class) are offered scholarships as well as a socio-educational follow-up until they find a secure job.

Program completion & University - PNM held its program completion ceremony in November. This celebration included the inaugural class of 25 students. They successfully completed their training and internships. These 25 young people have been accepted to excellent universities to continue their studies in the IT field.

• Update! (PDF)
  

During a one-year post-high school preparatory course, young Malagasy students are introduced to and trained in digital careers. Their training is divided between academic classes and pro-bono interventions from private companies supporting the project. The training incorporates innovative and interactive educational approaches that allow for an indepth learning process and the improvement of problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to new challenges. The training program is spread over 2 semesters and is composed of four educational modules and internship: Applied sciences, IT & digital, languages and communication, Soft skills. Students also visit universities and companies to discover possibilities in terms of orientation and the realities of the job market. In addition, they complete a one-month internship at the end of the preparation year to better understand and experience professional daily life. At the end of this preparation year, we guide our students towards post graduate studies or a professional path, through a tailored guidance adapted to their skills, their desires and in line with the needs of the local market. Those who pursue their studies (100% of our inaugural class) are offered scholarships as well as a socio-educational follow-up until they find a secure job.

PROGRAM COMPLETION AND UNIVERSITY PNM held its program completion ceremony in November. This celebration included the inaugural class of 25 students. They successfully completed their training and internships. These 25 young people have been accepted to excellent universities to continue their studies in the IT field.

• PN Madagascar Report (PDF)
  

Madagascar Country Context:

• Only 13% of young people have access to higher education. The low level of education, the lack of visibility and understanding of career choices are all obstacles to accessing professional opportunities.

• More than 80% of youth under 18 years old live in extreme poverty.

• Madagascar has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years.

How is PN Madagascar bridging these gaps to fight poverty?

Created in 2021, the program consists of a one-year preparatory program for digital careers focusing on:

• The development of digital technical skills

• An upgrade in general subjects, emphasizing applied sciences

• Language learning: official Malagasy, French and English

• Training in personal development and soft skills

• Orientation and knowledge of digital professions: how to build a sustainable career aligned with market needs

The one-year program enables disadvantaged young people increase their employability which will open the doors to digital and technological higher education in Madagascar, with a goal of finding quality work in an IT profession. After completing and receiving their diploma from the program, PN Madagascar accompanies them while they study in Tech Universities, providing scholarships and support until graduation and job placement.

Links:

• Overview of our year

• Malagasy students SUCCESS! (PDF)