Since 2013, the “Sesame” program has pursued the goal of enabling motivated and talented high school graduates from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds in Madagascar to pursue higher education. Normally, only the upper class can afford high-quality education. The “Sesame” initiative promotes the successful integration of less privileged young people into the Malagasy labor market and their active participation in the development of their homeland by awarding scholarships that cover most of their living and school costs. Accommodation is provided in dormitories on campus. The annual selection of students is nationwide. During a preparatory year on the campus in the capital Antananarivo, the youth receive individual mentoring in both academic and personal areas over a period of ten months.

The success of the “Sesame” program is reflected not only in the positive feedback from the staff, but above all in the motivated and successful students. 95 percent of the students continue their studies with “Sesame” after the preparatory year at the university of their choice and 80 percent of the young people earn their degrees there. 85 percent of graduates are professionally integrated six months after graduation and, thus, can look forward to a secure future.