ReefDoctor is a UK-based, non-profit organisation working on the remote South Western coast of Madagascar, in the Bay of Ranobe. Our camp is located near the villages Ifaty and Mangily at the world's 3rd largest coral reef ecosystem. More than 20,000 people within the Bay depend on the reef as a food source. One of the main challenges faced by the community in the region is an expanding population, increased migration towards the coast and unsustainable fishing practises which puts the ecosystem under increasing pressure.
ReefDoctor has been working to preserve the area in collaboration with many communities since 2002. This includes the construction of an artificial reef and a coral nursery, tree planting events, community projects and education. We believe that education plays a key role in conservation! Previous efforts have lead to the implementation of a school in 2016 which is aimed at providing education to a young generation and thrive towards a more sustainable future. It was started by our in-country director Emma who provided her own house to teach children from Ifaty. Since then, we have been working with many communities to create a teaching network that involves as many people as possible in educational outreach. Besides daily lessons at the 'ReefDoctor School', weekly classes are attended by children, women and men from villages near and far. Local teachers provide support in subjects such as English, French, History, Mathematics, and the natural sciences. This promotes leadership within the communities and encourages locals to take initiative. Read more about the school on our website:
https://www.reefdoctor.org/new-reef-doctor-school-creating-future-leaders-positive-change/
The last two years, ReefDoctor has been organising an annual 'MPA Relay Race' in order to raise money for any communal projects that need funding. In 2016, generous donations of over 1,100 British Pounds have lead to the establishment of what is now the first public library in Ifaty. With only around 30-40% of people being able to read and write, this region has a particularly low literacy rate within Madagascar. The library will counteract this trend by providing books available to anyone in Ifaty and other surrounding villages. This year, we are hoping to raise at least 700 Pounds which will go directly into local education. Our current objectives are to (1) organise fieldtrips to nearby nature reserves for children visiting weekly classes, (2) arrange for external teachers to visit our school, (3) expand its current maximum capacity of 25 children and 4 teachers and (4) buy books for the community library.
For this we will be challenging our neighbours, Ifaty and Mangily, to a 5km swimming race. This is the third year the MPA Relay Race will take place and we are very excited about the day. Besides sports events, this day will be a time for fun games and celebrations for everyone in the community to enjoy. Qualifications for the final of the volleyball tournament have already started with Ifaty winning both volleyball games against ReefDoctor and Mangily. This means that 'Team Ifaty' has secured itself a place in the final match.
For the Relay, the three teams with six swimmers each will be racing out to our primary dive and study site, the MPA 'Rose Garden'. Last year, 'Team ReefDoctor' took 3rd place, losing by seconds to 'Team Ifaty'. 'Team Mangily' was leading throughout the entire time and eventually took home the winning prize, a goat. For more information check out our blog:
https://www.reefdoctor.org/2016-mpa-relay-race-update/
It is people like you who make change possible. Every donation, big or small, is appreciated. With your generous help these children and many more will soon be leading their communities into a more sustainable future.
