I.C.E. Club – Madagascar

A dynamic team of US and local educators have developed the project EXCELL CAMP (EXCellence in English Language and Leadership). It is a “summer camp” that will be held on July 30 to August 10, 2007 at a beachfront tourist complex in Mahajanga. English will be the only language spoken at EXCELL camp.

Below you will find our cyber interview with Mrs. Voahangy RAMANANARINORO, Country Director of EXCELL camp:

1. Where does the idea of the project come from? (What has motivated you to do this project?)

The US and Malagasy organizers of this project were motivated by a desire to promote youth exchange between the US and Madagascar by providing language and leadership training to highly motivated Malagasy youth, using proven methods and experienced instructors from the US Dr. Whetstone, Mrs. Orsini and Mme Ramananarivo have worked for many years with youth groups and share a dedication to development and strong attachment to the youth of Madagascar.

2. What is the purpose of the project?

Excell camp – Excellence in English Language and Leadership – will enable a pilot group of 30 motivated and qualified Malagasy students to make rapid progress in English and to practice leadership principles through a specially designed program of sports, music, active conversation and community service, in a residential program that provides constant contact with American counsellors and American campers.

3. Does the EXCELL camp exist in other countries?

The EXCELL philosophy was designed especially for language and leadership training for youth in non-English speaking developing countries. The concept for EXCELL builds on a summer camp model that Dr. Whetstone has utilized in his 35 years practice with youth in the United States. This model seeks to reinforce learning and leadership through sports, music and community service.

4. Do you plan to have this project for the long run or is it just a kind of one shot try?

This is a long term project. A Malagasy NGO is being created to continue implementation over the long run. EXCELL camp is the first of a number of programs currently being discussed with interested groups in Madagascar.

Examples of other potential target groups and programs include:

- Instituts Supérieurs (team building and leadership for the student body)

- Corporate groups (language and leadership training for staff and/or children of staff)

- Excell camp for other age groups (children 10-14 and adults)

- English language professors (public and private schools)

Excell may also develop over time to include school linkage programs with Malagasy and US middle and high schools and student exchange programs within those schools. The directors of Excell camp wish to ensure high quality training using the EXCELL standards. To that end, they will train Malagasy trainers who will be certified by EXCELL to work in partnership with them.

5. Why did you make it only for people between 15 and 24?

We originally targeted the age group 14-18 but quickly found that the highest demand was among students in the schools for higher education (ecoles supérieurs) who were very eager to practice English and have contact with American instructors.

6. What will be the scheduled activities at the camp?

Activities will be programmed for each day of camp, from 7am to 10:30pm, including:

* Practical English language instruction, ongoing active conversation, film projections, practical reading assignments in specially selected books for youth, board games
* Two community service projects in Mahajanga
* Field sports for physical exercise and to to learn new sports (basketball, softball, American football, Frisbee)
* Workshops on leadership principles and application of those principles during sports activities and community service projects
* Active participation in sing-along featuring American popular and folk song, blues, rock and jazz traditions, songs from well-known Broadway musicals (Sound of Music, Cats, etc.)
* Educational outings in the region (national park, underground caverns)
* Writing an EXCELL camp journal, in English, to record activities, progress and friendships made during camp

7. Don’t you think that USD 250 – 300 is too expensive for most Malagasy people?

We are very sensitive to the cost factor and have taken measures to reduce costs as far as possible. The fee covers RT transportation to Mahajanga, room and full board, instructional and sports materials, health supplies and communications. All instructors are voluntary. We are actively seeking corporate and individual sponsorships to cover overhead costs and to finance a series of scholarships for deserving students who could not otherwise afford the camp. We are also working with the Instituts Supérieurs to encourage them to sponsor their best students. At least three institutes have already confirmed that they will pursue this suggestion.

If you are between the ages of 14 and 24 and are willing to take part in the EXCELL camp, the deadline for registering will be on May 15, 2007.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Voahangy RAMANANARINORO, Country Director of EXCELL camp ambato@wanadoo.mg

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