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Education & care

A school where deaf students can be seen, supported, and heard.

Meet four SEMAFI students and see how sponsorship supports education, healthcare, nutrition, and a stronger school community.

Peace Horizons editorial team

SEMAFI students celebrating together outdoors

In Fianarantsoa, SEMAFI is the only school dedicated to educating deaf children in southern Madagascar. Together with the Meylou Fund for the Deaf, Peace Horizons helps cover tuition, Malagasy Sign Language instruction, healthcare, nutrition, and dorm essentials.

  • Location: Fianarantsoa
  • Focus: Education and care
  • Partner: Meylou Fund
  • $35 monthly sponsorship

Meet the students

Each sponsorship surrounds a student with the practical support they need to learn with confidence.

Portrait of Somby

Somby

Age 11 · Ikongo
1st in class · Passed the CEPE exam

Somby became profoundly deaf at age 8 after severe malaria. Traveling 15 hours by bus from her rural village, she has shown extraordinary perseverance. This year, she ranked first in her class and passed the national CEPE exam to enter SEMAFI’s new middle-school track.

When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.
Portrait of Stephanie

Stephanie

Age 10 · Fianarantsoa region
Top student · Vision care provided

Born deaf into a hardworking farming family, Stephanie struggled to see the blackboard. Sponsorship provided eye exams and prescription glasses, helping her earn top marks and advance to third grade.

She eagerly mentors and cares for the younger boarding girls.
Portrait of Dallia

Dallia

Age 8 · Ambalavao
1st of 5 students · Skipped a level

Dallia’s mother sells peanuts in the market and was relieved when sponsorship made enrollment possible. Dallia skipped Preschool Level 1 and earned the highest exam score in every trimester.

A fast sign-language learner with an energetic spirit.
Portrait of Fitahiana

Fitahiana

Age 8 · Fianarantsoa
Second generation · Rising artist

Both of Fitahiana’s parents are deaf and former SEMAFI students. With targeted math tutoring, he is thriving in the accelerated section and advancing to second grade.

He expresses his joyful imagination through colorful drawings.

What support makes possible

Grade Advancement
100%
Top Class Results
#1 Rank
Fresh Eggs / Month
1,500
Annual Need
$1,184

Building Sustainable Self-Reliance

Peace Horizons also partners with SEMAFI leadership on infrastructure supporting student health, vocational skills, and local income generation.

Work table and cupboards in SEMAFI’s renovated kitchen
The renovated kitchen supports meal preparation, practical training and school fundraising.
The chicken house at SEMAFI in Fianarantsoa
The chicken house was completed in November 2025, creating a new home for the school’s hens.
Two pigs inside SEMAFI’s pig pen
Pig rearing supports practical skills and the school’s plans to generate income.
  • Poultry farm providing nutritious daily meals
  • Sustainable pig breeding generating local revenue
  • Modernized kitchen for vocational training
  • Accessible restrooms and clean water storage

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