Our Mission
Preventing child labor in Madagascar through access to education
Founded in 2011, Elevatus has grown into a foundation dedicated to giving children in Madagascar the tools they need to rise above child labor, to end the cycle of generational poverty, and to build successful lives.
Your Impact in 2024
With your support, Elevatus has made significant strides in combating child labor in Madagascar. Here are some of the key impacts we've achieved together this year:
success rate
vs. national 56%
distributed
tutoring
provided
The Challenges
Madagascar faces critical challenges that trap children in cycles of poverty and exploitation. These stark realities demand urgent action and sustained support.
Child Labor
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 47% of children ages 5 to 17 in Madagascar are engaged in child labor, including 32% in hazardous work. Children mainly work in the informal sector and agriculture, with hazardous tasks in agriculture, mining, and fishing. A recent study in Antananarivo reported that nearly half of street children rely on begging for survival.
Chronic Malnutrition
The World Food Programme reports that nearly 40% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition, in a country where over 90% of the population lives on less than US$3.10 per day. Food insecurity is driven by limited crop diversification, reliance on rain-fed agriculture, low incomes, and rising food prices. Increasing climate shocks further damage agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
Barriers to Education
According to the World Bank (2025), only 63.3% of girls and 57.6% of boys complete primary school. By the end of primary school, 95% of children cannot read proficiently. The education system faces high repetition rates—25.3% in public schools, double the Sub-Saharan Africa average.
Failing Education System
The World Bank (2025) highlights systemic challenges: 63% of primary teachers are underqualified community teachers (FRAM), fully financed by parents. Infrastructure is severely inadequate, with 1,000–2,000 classrooms destroyed by cyclones each year. National investment in education is low at 2.5% of GDP, below the regional average of 3.7%.
Our Response
Breaking the cycle through education, nutrition, and skill development — because every child deserves their childhood back. Elevatus programs directly advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global benchmarks for ending poverty and building a better future for every child.
Three pillars Education Nutrition Skills
EDUCATION
Every child deserves access to quality education. Elevatus provides school tuition, tutoring, and mentorship to help children stay in school, develop literacy, and prepare for a brighter future. Through consistent learning support, we’re building the foundations for independence and hope.
NUTRITION
Hungry children can’t learn. Our meal programs ensure that every child receives a healthy, balanced diet at school — reducing absenteeism and improving performance. With over 8,000 meals served, we’re not just feeding bodies but fueling futures.
SKILLS
At the Youth Center, children discover new talents and learn practical skills such as sewing, cooking, and computer literacy — all in a safe, supportive environment. These opportunities nurture creativity, build confidence, and open doors to future self-reliance and friendship.
