About Meylou
The Meylou Fund for the Deaf is a nonprofit organization focused on creating opportunities for children in the Fianarantsoa region of Madagascar.
We work to empower deaf people in Madagascar by expanding access to specialized education, sign language, and assistive hearing devices. We also support the deaf community in advocating for their needs and rights by promoting disability awareness and inclusion so every child has the opportunity to thrive.
We emphasize working with and empowering local partners to be the drivers of change in their community. To this end, we work closely with the Fianarantsoa School for the Deaf to support their programs and increase the support available to students, families and teachers.
Our Mission
Our mission is twofold: to empower the deaf community in Madagascar by providing access to specialized education programs, sign language, and assistive hearing devices; and to advocate for their rights by promoting disability awareness and inclusion so that no deaf child is left behind.
Our Vision
We envision a Madagascar where deaf children are respected, supported, and empowered to build meaningful, independent lives with equal access and opportunity.
The Need
The need for deaf education in Madagascar has never been greater. With only nine schools serving a population of over 30 million, more than 99% of deaf children never learn sign language or receive a formal education, according to the Federation of the Deaf in Madagascar. As a result, they grow up unable to read, write, or communicate in meaningful ways. This not only hinders their academic development but also their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Yet, with early access to sign language and specialized education programs, deaf children can thrive and reach the same milestones as their hearing peers.
Lack of information about schools for the deaf and high tuition costs mean that the vast majority of children with hearing loss never receive the support they need. In most cases, these schools have the capacity to enroll more students, but a severe shortage of funds prevents them from accepting students who are unable to pay tuition. That’s where we come in.
Our Approach
We believe that real, lasting change is created by investing in the efforts and education of Malagasy people. We work closely with The Fianarantsoa School for the Deaf (SEMAFI) to support students with limited financial means, provide training opportunities for staff, and improve school facilities. Ultimately, we strive to create a future where all deaf children in the greater Fianarantsoa area have access to sign language and an education which meets their unique needs.
Our Team
Our Impact
Our Partners
About SEMAFI
The Fianarantsoa School for the Deaf (SEMAFI) is the only school in southern Madagascar dedicated to the education of deaf children.
Located in the city of Fianarantsoa, the school was built in 1998 by the Norwegian Missionary Society and is currently under the management of the Malagasy Lutheran Church.
SEMAFI primarily offers instruction to students in preschool through fifth grade, as well as a technical training program. Currently, there are 55 day and boarding students who attend SEMAFI.
Empower Our Students.
The school we support in Madagascar provides life-changing education, sign language instruction, and a supportive community for deaf children.
Learn about SEMAFI →