The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education system in Madagascar: case of basic education

This paper addresses the Malagasy Republic's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in general and the population's view of the measures taken. However, this paper focuses on the education sector, more specifi cally, basic education. The government took measures, including a total lockdown and shut down of schools, that seemed to be appropriate. However, the lockdown situation would soon become unbearable, and after one month, the government initiated a gradual easing of the lockdown measures. The return of pupils to schools was a particular priority for many parents, but it was finally decided that only "examination classes" would be allowed to resume studies in their respective schools. The impact of this crisis was particularly felt in the implementation of the Education Sector Plan (2018-2022) and affected student apprenticeships. This paper, therefore, analyzes the scope and limitations of the measures taken by the government in ensuring the continuity of learning, including the following: radio broadcasts for all levels, the distribution of self-study booklets and the use of digital and internet resources for learning purposes. Other related measures such as the preservation of the fi nancial situations of teachers, parental support to reduce instances of school dropout and prospects for fi nancing the education sector have also been considered.