**The $7,900 goal reflects the total amount needed to complete the roof**

When Josoa finished fifth grade at the Fianarantsoa School for the Deaf (SEMAFI) last year, he should have moved up to sixth grade. But without a middle school program at SEMAFI, he had no way to continue his education.

This year, instead of continuing his studies in mathematics, French, history, and science like most other students his age, the 14-year-old began learning sewing, cooking, and farming alongside much older students in SEMAFI's vocational training program.

The nearest middle school for deaf students is in Antsirabe, eight hours north of Fianarantsoa. For most SEMAFI families, the distance and cost make it impossible to send their child there. As a result, many smart kids like Josoa are unable to continue their studies after fifth grade.

The Meylou Fund for the Deaf is working with SEMAFI to change that. Beginning this September, SEMAFI plans to launch a middle school program by adding one new grade level each year, starting with sixth grade, so more deaf children in the Fianarantsoa region can continue their education close to home. But to make this possible, SEMAFI needs more classrooms. Currently, every classroom (plus SEMAFI's dining room) is in use.

We are working to raise $15,000 to construct three new classrooms at SEMAFI before the start of the school year in September. By doing so, students like Josoa (right) and fifth-graders Somby (center) and Jhonni (left) can continue their education.

We asked them why they wanted to continue their studies. Somby, one of SEMAFI's top students, said she wanted the opportunity to study French and English. Her dream is to one day become a doctor. Josoa and Jhonni said they wanted to stay in school and continue studying with their friends. Josoa said one day he might like to be a chef or a mechanic; Jhonni wants to learn carpentry.

New classrooms will also help address another urgent need at SEMAFI: overcrowding in the preschool program. The new building will enable the school to add a third preschool class. Without this expansion, SEMAFI expects to have more than 15 students in each of its two preschool sections next year, nearly double the recommended maximum of eight deaf students per class.

In order to offer sixth grade and open a third preschool section in September, we need to raise funds quickly so we can begin construction in July.

Josoa’s education shouldn't have to end at fifth grade, nor should Somby's, Jhonni's or any other deaf child in living in the Fianarantsoa region. Please help us build the classrooms needed for them to continue their studies and reach their dreams.

SEMAFI Classroom Construction