My Rainforest My World: Nature education and creativity in Madagascar

In remote villages across Madagascar, many children grow up close to the rainforest yet rarely experience it firsthand. My Rainforest My World, developed with Centre ValBio and the Apenheul Primate Conservation Trust, brings the forest to life through a combination of nature education, teacher training and creative expression. For many participating students, a guided forest visit becomes their very first encounter with lemurs, reptiles and the rich ecosystems that define their country.

Experiencing the rainforest for the first time

In 2025, the programme reached 42 schools: 32 primary, 5 secondary and 5 higher-level institutions, introducing 1,852 students to Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. Teachers received specialized training to integrate nature education structurally into their lessons, and 205 students visited Ranomafana National Park to explore the rainforest directly. These experiences help children understand the importance of biodiversity and recognize the value of conservation in their own environment.

Creative expression as a tool for learning

A significant part of the programme is dedicated to creative workshops. Through drawing and painting, children translate their observations and emotions into visual expressions. These art sessions not only help them process new experiences but also support the development of creativity and confidence. Twenty students have already taken part in eco‑art classes, with the ambition to make these workshops available to all participating schools as more materials become available.

Use of materials in schools

The drawing and painting materials provided to the programme support two levels of impact, individual learning and lasting school capacity. Teachers use the materials during dedicated art lessons, biodiversity classes and special project days. Sketchbooks, pencils, watercolours and brushes enable students to practice and refine their creative skills, while schools retain the materials for future lessons. This means that the impact extends beyond a single workshop: each school builds a sustainable foundation for continuous creative and environmental learning.

Impact on children and their communities

By combining nature education with artistic expression, My Rainforest My World helps children build a deeper emotional connection with the environment. Seeing the rainforest firsthand, understanding biodiversity and expressing these experiences through art gives children a sense of ownership and responsibility. With more than 58–60% of Madagascar’s population under the age of 25, these younger generations play a crucial role in shaping the future of conservation. The stories, drawings and paintings they bring home spark conversations with families, helping environmental awareness spread beyond the classroom.

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My Rainforest My World: Nature education and creativity in Madagascar

Experiencing the rainforest for the first time

Creative expression as a tool for learning

Use of materials in schools

Impact on children and their communities

Royal Talens Foundation donation

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My Rainforest My World: Nature education and creativity in Madagascar

Experiencing the rainforest for the first time

Creative expression as a tool for learning

Use of materials in schools

Impact on children and their communities

Royal Talens Foundation donation

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