Hip Hip Hurrah for Harry Cassie and his family and friends!

We are very pleased to highlight the generous support of three generations of the Cassie family to Money for Madagascar (MfM). Harry Cassie along with his friends and family are currently raising money to fund projects on the island of Madagascar.

This remarkable family has been involved with Madagascar since the 1960s when Harry’s grandfather Stuart Cassie was working as a volunteer teacher in Madagascar. The photo below is of him at a reunion with people he had taught when he was volunteering. Both of these former students are now teachers!

Stuart Cassie with his former students

After he retired, Stuart was deeply involved with MfM as the treasurer from 2002 to 2013. His son Alastair went on to volunteer in Madagascar during his gap year. The latest person to support MfM is Alastair’s son Harry.

Harry has set up a Just Giving page to raise funds for MfM as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. In his own words:

“Madagascar is 1000 miles long and it seemed like an appropriate target to match with my goal of raising £1000. With this sum the charity can provide and install a water well for a school in a rural community, raise more we can give the tools and seeds to plant fruit and vegetable gardens, the opportunities are endless. As part of my updates I'll be highlighting different projects that Money for Madagascar is involved in as well as my own progress and that of others participating.

So over the past few months I've been getting some miles under my belt, and am now launching my campaign for sponsorship.  I have completed 68/1000 miles since the start of December. Time to get moving a lot more!

How can you help ?

1/ Sponsor to achieve the £1000 target (e.g. 1p per mile is just £10!)

2 / Donate miles* - donate some personal miles that you can achieve through walking / running / cycling swimming before 1/7/2018 and we'll get to our 1000 mile target quicker...Together we can reach more people and raise awareness of the plight of Madagascar and the invaluable work that Money for Madagascar charity does.

* If donating miles please keep a record of how you've achieved your miles, ideally with evidence from either a written log / fitbit / phoneapp”

We wish Harry and his friends and family all the very best and thank them for supporting the work of MfM. This fundraising effort is also a wonderful tribute to his grandfather Stuart Cassie.

Please click on the link below, if you would like to see Harry achieve his target!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harry-cassie

many thanks

Sunita Abraham

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

We've won £1000 for books for Madagascar schools! 

Thank you for voting! 

We are delighted to have won the Better World Books Literacy Grant competition. Now we can provide hundreds of books to 35 remote rural primary schools and centres for vulnerable children. Many schools have virtually no books at all, so this grant will be a big boost to the education of thousands of children. 

Thank you for voting and spreading the word -

 we did it together!

RAINFOREST APPEAL

PRISCA'S FAMILY HAS TO DESTROY THE RAINFOREST IN ORDER TO SURVIVE!

WILL YOU GIVE THEM AN ALTERNATIVE?

Living on the rainforest margins, Prisca's family struggle to find enough land to grow the food they need. Increasing population pressure and land degradation are forcing them to clear the forest and hunt wildlife, such as lemurs, in order to survive. It's hard to consider the consequences of destroying the rainforest when the survival of your family is at stake!

With your help we can change Prisca's life and protect Madagascar's precious rainforests. Our partners can offer Prisca's family the chance to support themselves without destroying the unique environment that surrounds them. For as little as £10 per month, they can provide her family with the training and resources to sustainably grow rice, vegetables and fruit trees, as well as farming fish or keeping livestock.

Will you DONATE NOW so that Prisca and her family can have of a better life without destroying the rainforest?

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

Biologically, Madagascar is one of the richest places on earth. It is home to more than 175,000 endemic plant and animal species including 50 kinds of lemur and plants with cancer curing properties. Economically, Madagascar is one of the poorest places on earth. Daily survival is a struggle for most of the rural population. Widespread malnutrition results in stunting amongst 50% of Malagasy children. This extreme rural poverty is threatening the future of Madagascar's forests and wildlife.  The World Wildlife Fund estimate that 90% of Madagascar's forest cover has already been lost. Continued destruction is threatening thousands of species with extinction.

We believe that it is only possible to conserve Madagascar's precious rainforest by offering the local people practical alternatives to deforestation. That is why for the last 25 years we have been working with communities on the margins of the Betampona rainforest reserve, helping families like Prisca's to diversify their livelihoods and to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Our aim is to both alleviate poverty and conserve the precious rainforest. 

Our long term approach to poverty alleviation is proving effective in the fight to save the forests. Around Betampona, we have seen many family incomes double. These families can now eat better, afford to send their children to school and visit the doctor when they are sick. Deforestation and poaching have decreased.

To ensure the future of the forests we need to be able to reach more families, giving them the chance to improve their lives sustainably. We can only do this with the help of generous supporters like you.

Will you DONATE to give more families the chance to raise themselves out of poverty without destroying the forest?

Any donation big or small will make a difference. However, committing to a monthly donation would really help us to plan for the years to come and to target our work most effectively.

£10 a month could provide one family with the technical support and materials they need to sustainably increase their rice production and grow vegetables and fruit trees.

£15 a month could set up a family in fish farming or small scale livestock keeping. 

£20 a month could set up and maintain a community reforestation nursery.

£30 a month could employ an agricultural outreach worker to provide training and technical support in sustainable food production to families and communities.

£50 a month could help establish and maintain irrigation systems for a community.  

To help families like Prisca's follow the link below:

Help protect forests and livelihoods in Madagascar 

THANK YOU!

Thanking Our Volunteers!

Volunteers and Staff at the Merchants Pub

On the 18th of June, we had a volunteer get-together in Lancaster. It was a small way of expressing our thanks to volunteers who contribute their time and skills to MfM, and also a chance for them to meet up with each other.

Not all our volunteers could make it but those who could had a choice of two events to attend. One related to a concert put up by Lancaster Millennium Choir, a faithful supporter of Akany Avoko. The concert was for an hour and it showcased their latest piece - Charlie the Cello. Some of our volunteers attended this event and were also able to sell some Malagasy crafts and greeting cards to raise money for our partners in Madagascar. Others joined us at the pub, and you can see from the picture above that we were enjoying some lovely summer sunshine. We want to say a special thank you to our volunteers for all their hard work and commitment!

Ash Rofe receiving certificate

Earlier on this month, one of our volunteers Ash Rofe received a certificate from the Mayor of Lancaster at the annual Volunteer Awards which are hosted by the Lancaster chapter of CVS (Council for Voluntary Services). He was nominated in the category for Young Volunteer of the Year. Ash has been an intern with us since October 2015 and he is returning to complete his undergraduate studies at Lancaster University. Ash has come in to our office once a week every Friday and contributed his skills and knowledge to help us with a variety of office tasks. We thank him for his time and efforts and wish him all the very best as he enters his final year of undergraduate studies.

We would also like to thank Alice Tooms our fundraising intern from Lancaster University who has completed her undergraduate studies and is moving on to new pastures. We do hope that both Alice and Ash will continue to be in touch with us and will spread the word about the work that our partners do in Madagascar!

Top Award for Irenée!

Here at Money for Madagascar, we would like to congratulate our very own Director, Irenée Rajaona-Horne for the recognition she has received in Madagascar in relation to her work in the country. Irenee has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National – an award for outstanding contribution which is presented by the Government of Madagascar.

The ceremony celebrating Irenee’s tireless efforts over the years – efforts that have only grown since her relationship with Madagascar began in 1996 as a Quaker volunteer at Akany Avoko’s Children’s Centre, was held on the 13^th May 2016 at one of the schools that benefits from MfM and Adsum’s Ed4Life programme.

The day consisted of spending the morning with the staff that work at the school and the children that attend the school, along with their parents. Irenee, along with people attending the ceremony, learnt all about how far the programme had progressed since its introduction and reiterated the importance of MfM’s work in Madagascar.

Guests and dignitaries, which included MfM’s Malagasy partners, colleagues and Akany Avoko graduates who worked with Irenee for 10 years in Ambohidratritimo before she moved to the UK, arrived at 12pm, with the knighthood being awarded at 12.30pm. Also in attendance was Chris Sewell who was representing MfM’s trustees. Following on from this, all who had gathered shared a meal together.

To find out more about Irenee’s work in Madagascar and get involved, please visit www.moneyformadagscar.org – who knows, one day you could be receiving the Chevalier de l’Ordre National yourself!

To make a donation, please click here. Thank you for your support.

Job Vacancy - MfM Seeks Madagascar Country Representative

Money for Madagascar seeks a country representative to be based in Antananarivo starting in July 2016. Applications are invited from individuals as well as from NGOs who are interested to deliver the services that Money for Madagascar requires.

Money for Madagascar is a British charity founded in 1986 to enable Malagasy people to reduce poverty and protect the environment through sustainable, community-led initiatives.  Beneficiaries include: orphans, street children, and vulnerable teenaged girls, farmers in environmental hotspots and women’s cooperatives, in Central, Eastern and Western Madagascar. MfM seeks an experienced development agent with the dynamism and commitment needed to enable MfM to scale-up its work.

1. As the Money for Madagascar Country Representative you will support and strengthen a network of Malagasy NGOs to help Malagasy people to climb out of poverty and restore Madagascar’s unique eco-system. You will do this by providing the following services:
2.  Representing MfM nationally for example on development and environmental forums, in order to create opportunities for new collaborations and to help MfM to respond to current needs and opportunities in Madagascar.
3. Helping Money for Madagascar to demonstrate the impact of its work by supporting its partner NGOs with Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation. This will include providing Capacity-Building Training tailored to the needs of the NGOs.
4. Helping Money for Madagascar to develop its programmes by supporting partners, networking and identifying new funding streams.
5. Facilitating communication between Money for Madagascar’s UK Office and its Malagasy NGO partners. 

This new role will start on a consultancy basis for an initial period of 12 months. Fees will be paid upon delivery of agreed outcomes. It is envisaged that this work will be extended and developed into a permanent role with Money for Madagascar. Remuneration package for 12 month contract 7,000 GBP to 9,000 GBP.

To find out more and to make an application please follow the link to our website below:

https://www.moneyformadagascar.org/english/support-us.asp?idSMenu=22

Applications to be submitted in English or French by 10th of April 2016. Interviews in Tana 17th & 18th May 2016.

Inspiring Malagasy Women

For more than 25 years Money for Madagascar has been dedicated to investing in Malagasy people who can be agents for change in their own communities. Training of leaders of national and regional Malagasy NGOs cascades down to benefit thousands of people at the community level. Investing in the education and training of destitute children and vulnerable teenagers has produced teachers, social workers, doctors and development agents with an exceptional commitment to helping their fellow citizens. MfM is always looking for new opportunities to help Malagasy people to help themselves. Below are the details of a new opportunity:

Malagasy women studying abroad may be eligible for financial support toward doctoral or post-doctoral studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The Schlumberger Foundation is accepting new applications for the 2015–2016 Faculty for the Future Fellowships from September 10th to November 14th, 2014.

Candidates should prove their commitment to returning to their home countries to contribute to the economic, social and technological advancement of their regions, pursuing careers in the teaching and research faculties of their home institutions and also taking positions in the public sector.

http://www.facultyforthefuture.net/

Bradt Backing

Intrepid explorer and author of the definitive guide to Madagascar, Hilary Bradt is also a dedicated Patron of the charity Money for Madagascar. Jumping out of a plane and running the London 10K are amongst the bold and fearless ways Hilary has helped us to fund education and training for vulnerable street kids in Antananarivo. 

Now Hilary and her co-author Daniel Austin are showing their solidarity with MfM by offering a special 40% discount to MfM supporters who wish to purchase the brand new Bradt Guide to Madagascar. Simply visit www.bradtguides.com and enter the discount code MFM40. This code will also get you a 40% discount on Madagascar Wildlife and Madagascar Highlights.

Enjoy! 

Happy Independence Day!

On this special day, the 26th of June, Money for Madagascar would like to take the opportunity to wish every Malagasy citizen hope, health and happiness. We wish you the courage and strength to make your beautiful country prosperous for all.

To all those who share our struggle to reduce poverty and raise dignity in Madagascar, we share our thanks. 

"Tratra ny Fahaleovantena"Madagasikara

Wessex Strings serve up Concerto & Cake

This Sunday residents of Sherborne (and beyond) are in for a treat. The Wessex Strings will be performing a benefit concert in support of Money for Madagascar. The line –up is exciting:

Their conductor is a Venezuelan cellist who has performed in many prestigious venues all over the world, including in the Royal Festival Hall in London. The programme includes a Mozart piano concerto.  The soloist, also originally from Venezuela, was a prize-winner at the Royal College of Music and in a number of international competitions.   She has also performed with the celebrated Simon Bolivar Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Tea with home-made cake is included in the ticket price and some wonderful crafts from Madagascar will be on sale.  This promises to be a wonderful evening in aid of a good cause. 

Do come if you are anywhere in the area!

Cooking up funds for Akany Avoko

Lancaster supporters of Akany Avoko are raising money by hosting ‘Pampered Chef’ cooking parties.

Earlier this year, Helen Speakman, from Lancaster, hosted a party with Helen Cullen-Williams, an independent consultant for Pampered Chef, and raised £120 for Akany Avoko.

Both Helens are members of Lancaster Millennium Choir, long-time supporters of both Akany Avoko children's home and Money for Madagascar. 

Choir members, together with friends and colleagues of Helen S, attended the live cookery demonstration, which encouraged people to get hands-on and take part in preparing recipes and trying out utensils. They could then buy the items on show, with a percentage of profits going towards Akany Avoko.

Mouth-watering Mediterranean Ring

Helen C-W said, “We are always trying to find different ways to raise a bit extra for Akany Avoko and thought what better way than getting people along to one of my shows. It’s such an easy way to raise money. It’s great fun and everyone gets involved, and of course there’s delicious food to sample at the end!”

Irenee Rajaona-Horne received the proceeds on behalf of Akany Avoko saying

 “This is wonderful. It will pay two teacher's wages for a month!”

Maggie in Madagascar

The next Pampered Chef fundraising night in aid of Akany Avoko is coming up soon at the end of May. It will be hosted in Lancaster by Maggie Bremner who has supported the children's home over many years through singing in the Millennium Choir and even volunteering at Akany Avoko in person. 

Many thanks to both Helens and Maggie for giving their time and homes and donning their hostess hats for us!

If you’d like to hold a Pampered Chef fundraising party, contact Helen Cullen-Williams at helencw@outlook.com or via her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cookwithhelencw.

Read more about the choir’s sterling efforts:

http://www.moneyformadagascar.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/unsung-heroes.html

Discover Madagascar and make a difference!

We are happy to offer you a unique opportunity to explore Madagascar and help to combat poverty at the same time.

Kris Pierscieniak, who provided the photos for our 2014 ‘Magnificent Madagascar’ calendar has just released a stunning, new, interactive ibook revealing hidden stories of THe Red Island entitled 

 ‘Madagascar: The Land Amidst Moving Waters’

Photographer & Author Kris Pierscieniak writes:

“I’ve been working on my Madagascar book these last few months. The need there is certainly very great. I’ve seen enough to realize the extent of the challenges the country faces. In all my travels, among all the many projects I’ve observed, all the countless people and organizations I’ve been introduced to, I have never seen more done with less. What Money for Madagascar accomplishes is truly remarkable, so I would like to help.”

So why not treat yourself or a friend to this wonderful experience! If you buy the ibook by the 15^th of June 2014 then the entire cover price will be donated to MfM to help provide education, sanitation and hope to forgotten communities across the island.

To view / purchase the ibook ‘Madagascar: The Land Amidst Moving Waters’ please follow the link www.kptravelogues.com/madagascar