About us

Mustard Seed School

The Mustard Seed School is called Ecole Privée Voantsinapy in Malagasy and is a private primary and secondary school in Antsirabe, Madagascar. The school provides quality education, food security, and health care to approximately 500 children each year—children who otherwise would not have access to such services due to their family's financial situation. The school is locally operated and led by Elise Ranoroantra (Madame Noro).

The school prioritizes orphaned children, children with single caregivers, and children from challenging home environments affected by alcohol abuse and neglect. Graduating students have the opportunity to receive support for secondary education and vocational studies through various scholarship programs.

Mustard Seed School Foundation

The Mustard Seed School Foundation is a Norwegian foundation established in 2024 to continue the work of the 'Support Association for Schools in Madagascar,' which has organized fundraising efforts since 1994 to finance the school's operations from the beginning.

The foundation's work is based on volunteerism to keep administrative costs to a minimum, while also employing 27 full-time staff in Madagascar, along with a large number of seasonal workers on the school's farm, Kanaan.

Board of the Foundation

• Karianne Skjæveland (Chairperson)
• Gro Smørdal (Deputy Chairperson)
• Bernt Pedersen (Board Member)
• Judit Nordanger (Board Member)
• Alexander Rügert-Raustein (Board Member)

History and Backround

The Support Association for Schools in Madagascar was established by Eva and Svein Wallem Niellsen. Sigrun and Per Skjæveland joined the association early on, and together the two couples conducted fundraising and information efforts to support the school's mission for 27 years.

The Mustard Seed School is a light in the everyday lives of many children in Madagascar, and we are proud to offer a safe and supportive learning environment for those who need it most.