More than 99% of deaf children in Madagascar never receive an education.
We’re working to change that.
Empowering Madagascar’s Deaf Community
Meylou is breaking down the barriers that prevent deaf children from accessing the education and opportunities they deserve.
Meylou is expanding access to specialized education, sign language, and assistive hearing devices.
Meylou is advocating for the deaf community’s needs and rights by promoting disability awareness and inclusion so every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The Meylou Fund for the Deaf started with one deaf girl from a rural village in Madagascar.
When Peace Corps volunteer Vanessa Paolella met 9-year-old Aro in 2024, she didn’t know how to read or solve basic math problems, despite the persistent efforts of her family and teachers. Aro dutifully copied notes and equations from the chalkboard in her third-grade class each day, but understood little.
Determined to help Aro succeed, Vanessa began searching for resources to support her education. Over the next year, she accompanied Aro and her family to medical appointments, a charity hearing aid distribution, and eventually to the Fianarantsoa School for the Deaf (SEMAFI), where Aro now studies.
After enrolling, Aro’s education finally began taking off. With the help of trained teachers of the deaf, Aro has made significant progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. She learned Malagasy Sign Language and, for the first time, was able to communicate meaningfully with people outside her family.
Aro’s experience isn’t unique.
It’s what becomes possible when deaf children have access to sign language and specialized education.
Yet thousands of deaf children across Madagascar have neither.
Ready to make an impact?
Your gift, big or small, helps provide vital resources and creates lasting change for deaf children in Madagascar.