In this blog post, we share the results of one project supported by LCN’s small grant program. Our small grant program is 100% funded by our Supporting Memberships!
Grantee Diamondra Ranaivoson Holds World Lemur Festival with Schoolchildren in the City of Toamasina
Diamondra Ranaivoson is a PhD student in natural resource management and an independent consultant based in Toamasina, Madagascar. She has been volunteering with the Lemur Conservation Network since 2020. In 2024, she was awarded a small grant for her project “Namako ny Varika”, which means “Lemurs are my friends” in Malagasy.
About the Namako ny Varika Project
“Namako ny Varika” is an educational project that involved organizing an environmental contest at a public secondary school in Toamasina in celebration of the 2024 World Lemur Festival. The winners of the contest were rewarded with a visit to Ivoloina Park, a local park run by the Madagascar Fauna & Flora Group.
The project’s main goal was to give children an opportunity to learn about lemurs and their importance. It offered a chance for students to express their creativity and expand their knowledge about lemurs and conservation while having fun.
Diamondra explains,
“Teaching children about conservation at an early age is crucial, as early experiences are more likely to inspire lifelong interests that shape their values and future roles in society. Initiatives like this help build the next generation of scientists, decision-makers, and conservation leaders who understand the importance of protecting lemurs and other species from extinction.”
World Lemur Festival Celebration in Toamasina
The celebration took place on World Lemur Day: October 25, 2024 at CEG Augagneur Toamasina in a joyful and lively atmosphere.
Thanks to the support of local organizations and media partners, the project was able to engage and raise awareness among more than 500 schoolchildren!
Activities
Students at CEG Augagneur Toamasina were invited to prepare creative works in one of three categories: (I) dance, (II) singing and poetry, and (III) drawing. Their creations highlighted the importance of lemurs and were proudly presented in front of a jury during the celebration. In addition to the contest, students enjoyed quizzes and games using LCN lemur card game and educational materials.
Bringing Schoolchildren to the Ivoloina Park
As a reward, the winners of each category during the celebration were taken to enjoy a visit to Ivoloina Park. This included the winning groups of the dance, singing and poem categories, as well as the top winners of the drawing contest.
About Ivoloina Park
Located just a 45-minute drive from Toamasina, Ivoloina Park has been managed since 1988 by LCN member MFG (Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group). The park features a 4-hectare zoological facility within a 282-hectare forestry station and serves as a hub for environmental education and capacity-building programs.
During the visit, the children explored the zoo, where they saw lemurs and other native species up close. Guided by park educators, they learned about the behavior, diet, and fun facts of different lemur species. The forest walk allowed them to connect what they learned in the classroom with real-life nature and biodiversity.
Tree-planting at Ivoloina
Another meaningful moment of the visit was the tree-planting session. Each child planted several indigenous tree species in the forest station, symbolizing their personal commitment to nature conservation. This hands-on activity not only contributed to reforestation efforts but also created a tangible memory of their role in protecting Madagascar’s unique ecosystems.
Why is this visit to Ivoloina so important?
The children’s enthusiasm at Ivoloina was a powerful reminder of how transformative access to nature can be. Experiencing wildlife and natural habitats firsthand sparks a sense of wonder and responsibility that no classroom lesson alone can achieve. This visit not only deepened their understanding of biodiversity but also inspired a lifelong connection to conservation.
Diamondra notes,
“As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ In Madagascar’s fragile social, economic, and political context, education brings hope and possibilities. I believe that initiatives like “Namako ny Varika” help children discover their passion and sense of responsibility. It was truly moving to see their eyes light up with joy and wonder throughout the project. Investing in their education is planting the seeds of a sustainable future, one seed at a time, with the hope that they will grow into strong, rooted trees.
Thank You to the Local Collaborators who Supported this Celebration
A heartfelt thank you to our local collaborators! Their invaluable support helped make this celebration possible and expand our impact.
- Governmental authorities from the Direction of Environment and Sustainable Development
- The school district of Toamasina
- RTCM Masôva: a local media outlet
- Club Vintsy Fandrana: an environmental club based at the University of Toamasina
- Recycl’anay: a youth-led association promoting recycling and waste reduction
- Bôndy: a social enterprise focused on reforestation and sustainable livelihoods
- Madagascar Forest and Communities Caretakers: an organization working to strengthen the relationship between people and nature for sustainable development
This local celebration was part of the global World Lemur Festival and was featured on the LCN website.
Thank You to our Supporting Members for Funding this Grant
Learn more about our Supporting Members below.