Improve access to information and digital technology for vulnerable populations in Miarinarivo, while strengthening their knowledge of responsible use of ICTs.
According to a survey of 146 residents conducted by the TSF team in 2024, interest in digital technology is growing in Antananarivo, but significant access inequalities persist, particularly for women and young people. The priorities identified for the project are:
It is also essential to strengthen local structures to facilitate this access.
The IT Cup Centre has initiated partnerships with local schools (Miarinarivo High School, Mimosa High School and CEG Reference). According to their age, students in these institutions receive an introduction to computers (word processing, spreadsheet, internet, e-mails). Students are divided into two groups of up to 10 pupils. Personalised assessment systems allow each student to become aware of their skills and progress.
Usually, before the training, more than half of the students has never used a computer.
Safer Internet Day took place on May 12, 2022, in Miarinarivo and is a European initiative aimed at raising awareness among young internet users about issues related to internet use: digital identity and personal data, social networks, cyberbullying, etc. As part of the IT Cup program, this international day is an opportunity to introduce the residents of Miarinarivo to the uses of the internet in order to develop responsible use that is adapted to local development issues.
Other events are organized with TSF's partners in Miarinarivo, notably the Alabri center
To educate and raise awareness among young people, extracurricular activities are organized in partnership with the Alabri center and schools in the city.
Working with secondary school teachers, students learn how to conduct research on the internet and verify the sources they use.
Every Saturday morning, in partnership with the Alabri center, students come to study at the IT Cup center, using available digital resources such as the Educmad platform (supported by the NGO Accesmad), under the supervision of teachers from partner schools.
On Saturday afternoons, motivated young people discover digital technology and algorithms in a fun way with Scratch, the mBot robot, and more.
Miarinarivo is the capital of the Itasy region, located in central Madagascar, a three-hour drive from the capital city of Antananarivo. The Itasy region is predominantly rural and has many assets that promote sustainable development and benefit the population. The city of Miarinarivo is home to all of the region's administrative bodies, as well as numerous schools where children from the surrounding countryside come to study.
In 2011, the city had no public internet access. TSF therefore set up an internet access point, thanks to funds raised by the IT Cup the previous year. A partner since 2006, the IT Cup is an association that organizes a charity soccer tournament for companies in the new technology sector. The center has a high-speed internet connection, computer and digital equipment, and spaces adapted for the center's various multi-sector activities.
The initial objective was to contribute to the region's development by introducing digital technology and connectivity, working closely with local stakeholders and including activities related to various sectors: education, services, agriculture, health, etc. Over time, the IT Cup Centre has become a dynamic and important community organisation in the town of Miarinarivo, providing digital access to serve the local community.
