Onja trains software developers in Madagascar through an intensive two-and-a-half-year programme combining English language instruction with comprehensive technical education. Founded in 2019, the organisation operates from Toamasina and aims to train 360 students over the next four years, addressing the scarcity of educational resources and youth unemployment in the region.
The first cohort, Wave 1, produced 19 graduates who now work remotely for partner companies across Europe and the United States. The programme emphasises not only technical proficiency but also English fluency, preparing students for distributed engineering roles in international teams. Graduates secure salaries that enable them to support their families and contribute financially to training subsequent cohorts, creating a self-sustaining model.
Onja's approach connects local talent to global employment opportunities, demonstrating that comprehensive training unlocks potential in regions with limited access to quality education. The organisation works with partner companies abroad to place graduates into remote positions, building a pipeline of skilled developers from Madagascar into the international software development market.