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P A G E 8
English Classes in Manantenina
Although English classes in a rural setting might seem like an extravagance,
Madagascar’s slowly growing ecotourism industry is demanding guides and other
personnel that can communicate in English. Even isolated natural areas in Madagascar can
experience a steady flow of foreign visitors, which provides opportunities for local people,
especially if they can speak other languages. Other than French, English is most commonly
spoken by visiting foreigners.
To make a small contribution
to English language capacity in
the Marojejy area, DLC SAVA
Conservation is supporting an
English class in the village of
Manantenina, near the Park
entrance. Most park guides are
from this village, and tourists
often pass through. Erik was
able to locate a willing and very
capable English teacher by the
name of “Joxe”, who undertook
the challenge. His classes were
well attended and emphasized
practical conversational English with topics specifically related to hosting visiting tourists
and researchers. The lessons seem to have made a difference, as Duke Nicholas School
student Jennifer Moore, while conducting research in Marojejy this summer (see article
this newsletter), was quite impressed with the English capacity of supporting personnel,
from the guides to the cook! We hope to continue the classes and perhaps expand them
to include basic adult literacy in Malagasy .
V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 2
S A V A C O N S E R V A T I O N
(Photo by Nancy Raposa)
English class in session in the library at the village of Man-
antenina, near the entrance to Marojejy NP.
“DLC SAVA
Conservation is
supporting an
English class in the
village of
Manantenina, near
the [Marojejy] Park
entrance.”
(Photo by Charlie Welch)