The district of Tsiroanomandidy, Madagascar, is home to around 330,000 people, with a population density of 27.9 people/km², spread over 18 townships. Its growth rate is 3.5%. Because of its agricultural potential, the region remains an area of internal immigration that drains a population made up of 75-80% from Merina and Betsileo in the central plateau.
The altitude varies between 1000 and 750 metres and decreases near the western coast: the relief is composed of a set of alternating hills fed by temporary springs on the valley floor. The covering vegetation of the region is dominated by a lush savannah that largely forms natural grazing land for extensive cattle breeding.
The four beneficiary villages of the project are adjacent to the town of Tsiroanomandidy and the Central Rural Training (CFRT), partner of the project: Fihaonana, Bematazana, Ankerana North and Miandrarivo.
Last July 2013 has been completed the construction of a school made out of bricks and equipped with seven fully-furnished classrooms, following the prototype of typical rural schools in the Tsiroanomandidy districts. The school consist of five classrooms for elementary classes, 1 classroom for preschool and a teacher’s lounge.
Every classroom accommodates 60 children on average; toilet facilities have been completed as well. Butterfly foundation relied on the local support of the NGO Reggio Terzo Mondo as well as on the funding of the project secured by private donors and Herrod Foundation, based in Montreux, Switzerland.