The Inauguration of the English Language Teachers' Association of Madagascar Held at Christian Academy School

Antohibe, Madagascar - July 15th, 2024     
     The English Language Teachers' Association of Madagascar (ELTA Madagascar) officially marked its inauguration on the morning of July 15th, 2024, at the prestigious Madagascar Christian Academy in Antohibe. This event, a significant milestone in the history of Malagasy education, brought together a diverse and distinguished group of international and local figures, united by a shared vision of enhancing English language education across the island.  

A distinguished gathering    
     The inauguration was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Marie Pierangelo, the United States Ambassador to Madagascar, and His Excellency David Ashley, the United Kingdom Ambassador to Madagascar. Both diplomats have been staunch supporters of educational initiatives in Madagascar, and their presence at the event underscored the importance of fostering stronger educational ties between Madagascar and the English-speaking world.   The event also featured notable participation from key figures in the English language teaching community. Alex Burn, Public Diplomacy Officer ​and Craig Ferguson, Public Affairs Officer,

represented the US government’s commitment to educational development. Their presence further highlighted the role of international cooperation in advancing the quality of English language education in Madagascar.
     Additionally, Mr. Yoseph Feleke, President of the Ethiopian English Language Professionals' Association, Dr. Aymen Elsheikh, a co-founder of Africa ELTA, and Dr. Brittany Bounds, a professor at Texas A&M University in Qatar added academic gravitas to the gathering, bringing with them insights and experiences from their work in connecting and empowering teachers across Africa. All have been advocates of teacher empowerment and educational reforms. 

Opening remarks and congratulatory speeches     
     The inauguration ceremony began with opening remarks from Mialy Ravaka Andrianjohary, the President of ELTA Madagascar, who expressed gratitude to the international and local guests for their support and dedication to the advancement of English language education. The President highlighted the association's mission to educate, empower, and connect Malagasy teachers, ensuring that no teacher would ever be left behind in their pursuit of professional development and growth.   Her Excellency Marie Pierangelo, in her address, praised the establishment of ELTA Madagascar as a significant step towards improving educational standards in the country. She emphasized the importance of English as a global language and how mastering it could open up numerous opportunities for both teachers and students. She also commended the leadership of ELTA Madagascar for their passion and commitment to driving educational reforms.   UK Ambassador David Ashley followed with a speech that echoed these sentiments. He expressed the UK government’s continued support for initiatives that strengthen the quality of English language education in Madagascar. Ambassador Ashley also highlighted the role of English as a bridge for international cooperation, economic development, and cultural exchange.

Empowering Malagasy Teachers     
     A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to empower Malagasy teachers. ELTA Madagascar was established with a clear mission: to provide teachers with the tools, resources, and networks necessary to excel in their profession. By connecting Malagasy teachers with their counterparts across the world, the association aims to bridge the gap between local and international educational standards.    

     The association also seeks to ensure that no teacher is left behind in the quest for professional development. Through

workshops, training sessions, and access to resources, ELTA Madagascar will help teachers stay current with the latest methodologies in English language teaching. The ultimate goal is to create a generation of teachers who are not only well-versed in the language but also equipped to inspire their students and raise the overall standard of education in Madagascar.

A Celebratory Conclusion   
     As the formal speeches and discussions came to a close, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration. A beautifully decorated cake was presented, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in English language education in Madagascar. Her Excellency Marie Pierangelo, His Excellency David Ashley, Dr. Aymen Elsheikh, and the President of ELTA Madagascar joined hands in cutting the cake, marking the official inauguration of the association.   Following the cake-cutting ceremony, the guests were invited to a cocktail reception, where they had the opportunity to network, share ideas, and discuss future collaborations. The atmosphere was filled with optimism and excitement as teachers, trainers, and officials mingled, united by a common goal of improving English language education in Madagascar.       

Looking forward    
     The inauguration of ELTA Madagascar is not just a symbolic event; it represents a commitment to the future of education in Madagascar. With the support of international partners, passionate educators, and a dedicated network of professionals, ELTA Madagascar is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s educational landscape.   The association's mission to educate, empower, and connect Malagasy teachers aligns with broader efforts to uplift the quality of education in Madagascar. By fostering a sense of community among English language teachers and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, ELTA Madagascar will ensure that no teacher is left behind.   As the event drew to a close, the message was clear: the future of English language education in Madagascar is bright, and ELTA Madagascar is ready to lead the way.