Water, water everywhere……well, not in Madagascar.

In Europe, it is difficult to imagine much time without rain – it is just part of our lives. Thousands of miles away in Madagascar though, water can be ‘harder to come by’, and can sometimes be a luxury. Parts of Madagascar are currently suffering from severe drought, particularly in the south – at times like this, they really need help.

Families must make long journeys to collect water because of the drought currently affecting the country

It is thought that the El Nino weather system has decreased the rainy season in Madagascar by one or two months. With the drought, basic needs are increasingly difficult to find. Lakes have become puddles, crops have decreased severely and malnutrition, particularly amongst children, is worryingly high. The droughts have changed the very way in which people live. Families must now wake early and make long distance trips to collect water, bathe and wash clothes, as there is no ‘oasis’ near them – but they must find water somehow.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet people are having to use what money they have to buy water cans. In a country where 92% of people live on less than a couple of pounds a day, having to then use this just to get water is shocking. but a price they must pay.

The drought exacerbates other issues which affect Madagascar, such as abject poverty. 

This problem adds to a list of issues which Madagascar must face – such as poor infrastructure, a struggling health system and lack of access to education. It is at times like this that we can really make a difference and improve lives. MFM has a strong track record of responding to natural issues such as droughts, using our partners ‘on the ground’ to get what is needed to those who need it most. Subsequently, MFM has played an influential part, for instance by installing easily accessible wells in some of the more remote areas.

If you would like to make a difference and change the lives of those in need, please consider making a donation at    https://moneyformadagascar.org/ Thank you.

Main source - https://www.buzzfeed.com/tamerragriffin/this-is-what-its-like-when-your-country-runs-out-of-water?utm_term=.rek99OlZk#.xukMMAWLm

By Matthew Ward

Shining a Light of Hope – examples of MFM making a difference for children in Madagascar

Money for Madagascar (MfM) supports seven different Children's Centres in and around Madagascar's Captal Antananarivo. One such centre is Akany Avoko Faravohitra; this centre cares for 50 children both day and night, and here MFM gives funds to provide nutritious food, warm meals, clothes and education (to name only a few things!).  

MFM is proud to have recently helped fund the installation of solar power – helping to ensure that there is hot water, and many other things that we may take for granted. This has helped to promote stability and the well-being of the children.

The solar panels automatically start working whenever there is a break in the electricity so that there is always light, ensuring that the children are safe whenever there are power cuts. MFM is happy to support Madagascar’s quest for solar solutions! 

As the centre is high in the mountains, it can be very cold and windy in winter - warm water will certainly be a welcome relief then! And with the solar panels, it has become easier to access – obviously helping the children, yet also the staff in their work. 

The grant has also helped provide a solar cooker for both washing and cooking – quicker than using a firewood stove! This allows staff to cook a warm midday meal quicker, meaning they can spend more time directly with the children. It is said that Vitamin D is good for you, but now sunshine really can make the difference! 

Money has also lead to the conversion of space into a library, and also the creation of an IT room and workshop for handicrafts – hopefully enough to engage the young minds! 

It is wonderful to see the children smiling and laughing, and wonderful to know that you as supporters are making a difference to their lives and prospects.

If you would like to know more about what MfM does, or to make a donation – any money you give will be guaranteed to make a direct difference in Madagascar – please see our website –  https://www.moneyformadagascar.org/

Thank you! 

MfM supporter on sponsored bike ride around Madagascar!

Money for Madagascar supporter Eenos Henno is currently undertaking a 5000km sponsored motorcycle ride around Madagascar to raise awareness of the issues which affect the Malagasy people. Along his journey around southern and western Madagascar, which is expected to last around 34 days and take in some of the most remote areas of the country, he will visit a number of projects and initiatives being run or supported by MfM. 

Eenos was motivated to take on this challenge after hearing about the plight of Malagasy children, many of whom are living in poverty. According to Eenos, “In the western world we take it for granted having access to clean water, food and education. These are the essential basics which allow us to create the future we desire. The Malagasy are one of the poorest people on earth, more than 70 percent of them are living on less than a dollar a day. Nearly half of Madagascar’s children under five years of age are malnourished. For children leaving school just staying alive is an increasing problem in Madagascar. An estimated two million children are working instead of receiving an education. Child labor is illegal in Madagascar but severe poverty makes it a survival necessity.”

Along the ride Eenos will be uploading footage to his video blog in order to raise awareness of the challenges which face the people who live in Madagascar, as well as the impact which projects such as those supported by MfM can have on their daily lives. He is also hoping to raise sponsorship which will be donated to MfM to support their work which includes helping lift families out of poverty, and assisting destitute children and vulnerable women and girls. 

A small donation could make a big difference to Malagasy communities:
$10 provides one family with the technical support and materials they need to sustain in order to increase their rice production and grow vegetables and fruit trees.
$20 will help set up a family in fish farming or small scale livestock keeping.
$60 will help establish and maintain irrigation systems for a community.
$200 will provide a well pump to a remote village, ensuring their access to clean drinking water and improving the health of the community.

To find out more about Eenos' challenge, see updates and pictures from his journey and sponsor him visit this link.