In Madagascar, families cut food spending ahead of the new school year

In Madagascar, the new school year is due to begin on 4 September. As the date approaches, school-related expenses are weighing on many families, who face paying enrolment fees and buying the supplies pupils need.

To send their children to school, some parents are trying to free up money through various means. These trade-offs may lead them to cut their food budgets, including at the expense of a balanced diet.

School expenses difficult to cover

Families have only a few days left to raise the sums required before classes resume. Enrolment fees and school supplies are a source of concern for parents trying to save as much as possible.

Preparing for the new school year therefore involves difficult choices in everyday spending. Some families may also be forced to part with items that are nevertheless useful in order to finance their children's schooling.

Schooling at the cost of daily sacrifices

These situations illustrate the pressure the start of the school year places on family budgets. Faced with food expenses and school-related costs, parents are prioritising keeping their children in the education system, despite the sacrifices this imposes on their daily lives.