Voantsinapy is undergoing a transformation

Voantsinapy (The Mustard Seed School) is undergoing a significant transformation through an ambitious building project this fall.

It represents the largest collaborative effort in the school's history, involving several hundred dedicated supporters from Norway, Germany, and Madagascar, as it aims to expand the school's facilities to offer new study programs in IT, sewing, and farming.

Additions aimed to equip our students from economically challenged backgrounds with practical skills that can help them break the cycle of poverty.

The day after students at KVS-Lyngdal presented the record fundraising result of their mission project in june, headmaster Noro signed the contract with contractor EMM, a professional firm known for its work on the neighboring Catholic University of Antsirabe (ESSVA) and several other large projects funded by international donors.

The official start of construction was on July 1st 2024, with an estimated project timeline of 125 days.

Architectural collaboration and creative design

Maria and Sunniva at MNDesign Studio Architecture in Berlin are responsible for designing the extension project.

After visiting Madagascar and Voantsinapy on a study tour in December 2023, they connected with the local architecture firm TRANO Architecture, which is engaged as the project manager.

Maria and MNDesign's role in the project is central, volunteering countless hours, including during the summer holidays, to ensure the project's success. 

Headmaster Noro is grateful for the architects' generous contribution:

– Maria's dedication, selflessness, and skills are crucial in realizing our vision for the school. She works with a sense of ownership and commitment as if this was her own project, highlighting her commitment to the school's vision and future of the children we serve, she sais.

The choice of collaborating with TRANO as project manager is also key to ensuring the project's success. 

This local office has been instrumental in estimating the construction costs, advising, and assisting with structural aspects and the tender process for contractors.

– We were completely dependent on finding a local, professional partner to ensure everything is in order, from foundation checks to contract reviews, preventing corruption, and guaranteeing fair wages and insurance for employees. 

– We owe this diligence to our donors in Norway, and Maria helped us connect with the right office, says Karianne Skjæveland from the school foundation.

For the past six months, communication has been daily between Madagascar, Germany, and Norway.

Maria continues to work closely with TRANO to ensure that Noro's vision for the school and the various aesthetic, functional, and technical aspects are integrated into the project throughout the project period.

– Her efforts will significantly enhance our school's reputation both in Madagascar and internationally, says Noro about the pro-bono contributions of the Berlin based office.

New facilities for vocational training

The building project includes two spacious learning halls for IT and sewing. Both the IT hub and the newly located library hall will feature exposed wooden roof structures, with natural light streaming in through additional windows beneath the roof. 

And Voantsinapy will finally have running water, and a separate, shaded drinking and resting station which will be placed at ground level. 

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In addition to better learning spaces for students, the project allows for more comfortable living condition for key staff.

Headmaster Noro will have her own flat with a reception area for guests after having lived in a classroom for the past few years.

Two teachers with their families, who lives at the school premises for both practical and safety reasons, will also get new homes, and all residential units will now be gathered on the second floor of the joint building.

Additionally, there will be a designated room for the security guard, crucial now that the school will house valuable items such as laptops, sewing machines, and books.

Not least, a much-longed-for guest room for visitors and volunteers, as well as a separate guest toilet and shower, will be included.

– It is important for us to be able to welcome our many guests who come from Norway, says Noro, noting that not everyone is comfortable with traditional Turkish toilets.