UNITÉ DE SOLIDARITÉ INTERNATIONALE DE GENEVE
Name: Chuo Richard Buoh
Master 2: Humanitarian Project Management and Sustainable Development
EU8 TPE: Student Personal Work
Terms of Reference (ToR) for School Construction Project in Antananarivo
Project Title Construction of a Primary School in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Implementing Agency Hope for Tomorrow, Madagascar
Location Antananarivo
Project duration 12 months
Funding UNICEF
Agency/Donor
1. INTRODUCTION
This document outlines the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the construction of a primary school in
Antananarivo, Madagascar. The project aims to provide a safe, accessible, and conducive learning
environment for children in the community, addressing the shortage and disaster-resistant educational
infrastructure.
1.1BACKGROUND
Madagascar faces significant challenges in education, with many schools lacking proper infrastructure.
Antananarivo, the capital city, has overcrowded classrooms and insufficient facilities. Coupled with the
devastating impact of the January 2022 Tropical Storm Ann and floods, many schools across the region
were severely destroyed.
This project aligns with:
- Madagascar’s National Education Sector Plan
- Local government priorities for improving education access
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education)
2. PROJECT OBJECTIVES
2.1 OVERALL OBJECTIVE
- To improve access to quality education by constructing a safe, disaster-resistant and
environmental-friendly primary school in Antananarivo.
2.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
- Construct a 10-classroom school using cyclone-resistant designs based on the model plan of anti-
cyclone school buildings adopted in 2014 and updated in 2020,
- Include sanitation facilities (separate toilets for boys and girls).
- Ensure disability accessibility (ramps, wide doorways).
- Provide a playground and green spaces for student well-being and disaster preparedness.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
3.1 CONSTRUCTION COMPONENTS
Component Description Example/reference
Classrooms 10 classrooms (7m x 8m each) Based on *UNICEF School Design
with furniture Standards
Administration Block Principal’s office, staff room, Refer to *World Bank’s Education
storage Infrastructure Guidelines
Sanitation Facilities 8 toilets (4 for boys, 4 for girls) WHO WASH in Schools Standards
with handwashing stations
Fencing & Security Perimeter wall (2m height) and Madagascar Ministry of Education Safety
secure gate Guidelines
Playground Open space with basic sports UNESCO’s Child-Friendly School
facilities Framework
3.2 EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
- Approved architectural and engineering designs
- Completed construction (meeting national building codes)
- Handover report and training for school management
4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Stakeholder Responsibilities
Implementing Agency Oversee construction, manage budget, ensure quality
Contractor Execute construction as per approved design
Local Government Provide land, permits, and monitoring support
Community Leaders Mobilize local participation and feedback
5. PROJECT TIMELINE
Phase Duration
Site Assessment & Design 2 months
Construction 8 months
Final Inspection & Handover 1 month
6. BUDGET ESTIMATE
Category Estimated Cost (USD) Key specifications
1. Core infrastructure $280,000 - $380,000
- site preparation and $20,000–$55,000 Elevated, cyclone-resistant design (40cm
foundation minimum)
- 10 Classrooms (35m² $150,000 - $200,000 Reinforced concrete/brick, steel roof trusses
each)
- Administrative Block $45,000 - $65,000 2 offices + staff room (50m² total)
- WASH Facilities $50,000 - $60,000 8 gender-separated toilets + handwashing
stations
2. SPECIALIZED $120,000 - $180,000
FACILITIES
- Library (60m²) $40,000 - $60,000 Shelving, reading tables, storage
- Computer Lab (40m²) $50,000 - $70,000 20 workstations + server + AC
- Solar Power System $30,000 - $50,000 10kW system with battery backup
3. EXTERIOR & $50,000 - $80,000
LANDSCAPING
- Playground & Sports Area $25,000 - $40,000 Equipment, surfacing, shading
- Windbreak System $15,000 - $25,000 Mixed native trees + concrete wall barriers
- Perimeter Security $10,000 - $15,000 Fencing + lighting
4. FURNISHINGS & $50,000 - $80,000
EQUIPMENT
- Classroom Furniture $25,000 - $35,000 300 student desks + teacher stations
- Library Furnishings $10,000 - $15,000 Shelving, tables, chairs
- IT Equipment $15,000 - $30,000 Computers, printers, networking
5. CONTINGENCY (10%) *$52,000 - $75,000 Unforeseen costs
6.1 COST OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES
- Phase 1 Priority ($400k): Classrooms, WASH, basic power → immediate functionality
- Phase 2 ($120-200k): Specialized facilities → library, computer lab, solar
- Local Sourcing: Reduces costs by 12-18% for bricks, timber, labor
- Community Contribution: Volunteer labor for landscaping can save $15k+
Optional Upgrades
- Water purification system: +$12,000
- Auditorium/multi-purpose hall: +$60,000
- Enhanced security system: +$8,000
8. KEY RESILIENT FEATURES
1. Cyclone-Proof Design
- Roofs rated for 220km/h winds
- Impact-resistant windows
- Flood-drainage grading (5% slope)
2. Solar Power System Details
- 10kW photovoltaic array
- 48V battery bank (3-day autonomy)
- Priority circuits for IT lab and lighting
3. Computer Lab Specifications
- 20 ruggedized PCs
- UPS protection
- Air-conditioned environment
4. Library Enhancements
- Disaster-proof document storage
- Mobile shelving units
- Reading area for 30 students
7. MONITORING & EVALUATION
- Monthly progress reports (shared with stakeholders)
- Final evaluation against key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Post-construction review after 6 months
8. REFERENCES
- UNICEF School Construction Guidelines (2021)
- Madagascar National Education Policy (2020)
- World Bank’s Education Infrastructure Framework
9. CONCLUSION
This Terms of Reference serves as the foundation for transparent and accountable project execution. We
welcome feedback and collaboration to achieve our shared goal of empowering Madagascar’s children
through education.
It provides a comprehensive framework for implementing a resilient school construction project in
Antananarivo, incorporating lessons from recent disasters and successful reconstruction models. The
approach balances immediate educational needs with long-term resilience building, while creating
economic opportunities for affected communities.
Prepared by: Chuo Richard Buoh
Hope for Tomorrow, Madagascar
Thursday, 15 May 2025