Stories from Madagascar: Patricia's Story.

Today, 16th June, is the Day of the African Child. In order to mark this day we are launching a new series of blog articles, "Stories from Madagascar," to show the impact your donations have had on people and communities in Madagascar. Fitting with the today's theme of the African Child, we look at the story of 12 year old Patricia and how the work of our partners can help young women like Patricia.

Patricia's Story

12 year old Patricia lives with her mother and brother on the edge of the capital city, Antananarivo. She is a bright young girl who loves learning. Sadly, as is the case for so many Malagasy children, when she reached secondary age she had to stop going to school because her mother could no longer afford to send her. To help keep her younger brother in primary school, she began working, helping her mother to fetch bricks during the brick making season. Patricia felt lost and hopeless. She felt her future closing in.

One day she heard about the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, and the activities that they were providing to help young girls like her develop new skills and gain employment. Determined to grasp this chance for a brighter future, she made the long walk to the city centre to find out whether she could join the scheme. To her joy, there was still space on the training programme at Centre Fihavana, where the sisters are based. Undeterred by the long walk, she now attends daily classes, and is learning how to make clothes herself as well as doing a bit of studying; including learning about Information Technology and how computers work. The sisters also offer coaching and counselling to help her deal with the difficulties of working life.

Patricia says, “I no longer feel hopeless. My life has turned around, because of the Sisters . With the skills I’ve developed, I hope to become a dressmaker. Now I believe that my dream of having a bright future will come true one day.”

Money for Madagascar at the Lancaster University Community Day

Money for Madagascar recently had the opportunity to take part in the Lancaster University community day with its own stall and activities. With the MfM office being located in Lancaster, it was an excellent opportunity to speak to members of the local community and university about the work we do in Madagascar and to educate them about ways in which they can help some of the poorest people in the world today.

The stall included lots of information about who we are and what our work, and the work of our partner's involves such as conservation projects, supporting children’s centres, and other vital projects which aid those in poverty. It also included lots of different elements with some activities for the children including dressing up in Malagasy clothing (with lots of different hats!). Children who came really enjoyed dressing up and taking part in the activities and it was great to see them engaging with Malagasy culture. 

There was craft made by Malagasy people which ranged from model cars made out of recycled metal, to necklaces made out of seeds. The craft-work and attention to detail involved is very impressive and highlights the skill of the Malagasy people who too often lack the resources to tackle the issues they face. The Malagasy people know what they need to improve their standard of living and have the skills to put them in place, but they simply do not have access to the resources. This is why the projects that MFM is involved in are so important to ensure that key resources such as access to food, shelter and education are available to those in need.

This is why volunteers are so important to MFM. They contribute to office work, research tasks, fundraising activities and many more vital tasks that help MFM support the Malagasy people - there are always tasks which need doing, wherever you are.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in volunteering or wish toTo volunteer or make a donation in support of the charity please visit www.moneyformadagascar.org