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

Make a difference with your trip to Madagascar

Ash Dykes is a Welsh explorer and adventurer who recently became the first person to trek the length of Madagascar from south to north, taking in the Island's eight highest mountains on the way.He has been invited to speak at 10 Downing Street - twice, has been commended by explorers such as Bear Grylls, and was named UK Adventurer of the Year, 2015.

Ash on the summit of Pic Imarivolanitra (also known as Pic Boby) as part of his trek

 Ash has a keen interest in Madagascar, and completed his record-breaking trek there in order to support the Lemur Network, helping conserve some of Madagascar's unique wildlife. In order to allow more people to experience the rugged, untouched wilderness of Madagascar as well as raise money to help local communities and conservation projects, Ash has teamed up with Charity Challenge to offer individuals a once-in-a-lifetime, 12-day trek to Madagascar's second-highest mountain, Pic Imarivolanitra (also known as Pic Boby).

This trek, in late-October and early-November 2017, offers a chance to explore some of the most remote and beautiful areas in the world, and participants have can choose to support a number of different charities through this trek, including Money for Madagascar.

Pic Boby - Madagascar's second-highest mountain, and the highest which can be reached without technical climbing.

Of course, such an adventure is not for everybody. However, the fact remains that Madagascar is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and as such is increasingly becoming a tourist destination. However, the fact remains that the country is also home to some of the poorest people in the world, and its unique wildlife which makes it so special is under threat. An increase in tourism itself, while being beneficial to the Madagascan economy, also brings its own problems - not least the impact it has on the environment.

This is why Money for Madagascar is running a campaign to encourage tourists to Madagascar to give something back to this beautiful and special island. MfM can arrange visits to see the work of our partners working in Madagascar, and there are ways you can directly help such as:

• Donate clothing, left over Malagasy currency, first-aid supplies and stationary to programs to help street children in the capital;

• Plant a tree to help restore Madagascar's rainforest;

• Visit an 'education for life' school to see our work to improve education in Malagasy communities. 

We would also encourage visitors to make a donation to help our work with Malagasy communities, and efforts to conserve Madagasar's wildlife for future generations.

Money for Madagascar encourages people to visit Madagascar, but also to give something back to the Country.

For more information about Ash Dykes' Adventure, click here

A love of Lemurs leads to making a real difference in Madagascar

Back in February, Patricia Wright – a renowned primatologist and Anthropologist at Stony Brook University – visited Luther College, Iowa (both USA). This may seem quite ordinary between American academics, what makes this visit special then? – the subject. In her lecture and following events, Wright told of her personal love for Lemurs, her academic work in Biology and also how she had helped found Madagascar’s Ranomafana National Park.

 

Professor Wright is acclaimed for conservation and biology in Madagascar, specialising in the social nature of Lemurs. In this lecture she highlighted how females play a central role in groups, also she explored the history of Lemurs in Madagascar and how they manage today – and of course, how we can help them survive.

The positives of this talk? Students claimed they had a greater sense of personal growth and were more aware of how sometimes seemingly small acts can make a big difference to countries like Madagascar.

Students heard of not only the immense work which Professor Wright has done, but also about the importance of getting a balance between supporting both the rainforests that the Lemurs inhabit, alongside solving social problems. Wright made it clear that to help maintain the unique natural environment, the local people must be taken into account and supported too.  

This is also the approach of MFM – supporting the local people - enabling them to survive, thrive and appreciate the unique landscape and species. MFM is proud to help provide some of the things which Wright stressed the importance of – such as health care, education, information and financial support to start alternative livelihoods. 

If you would like to know more about the work of MFM, or if you could make a donation which would help make a direct impact on both the lives of the Malagasy people and the Lemurs that they live alongside, please visit:

https://www.moneyformadagascar.org

Sources –

(Both accessed 11/04/2017)

http://www.lutherchips.com/3212/news/wright-lectures-on-lemurs-female-empowerment/  

5/04/2017

http://www.tcnjsignal.net/2017/03/28/documentary-and-lecture-tell-lemurs-tale/

28/03/2017

- Written by Matthew Ward -

The Lemur: Madagascar's most famous resident!

Madagascar is the home to many amazing species of animals and plants, so much so that around 75% (1) of species are unique to Madagascar. Many of these species inhabit the remote rainforests, mostly on the east coast. Due to the difficultly in locating, accessing and studying the ecosystems of Madagascar, one thing is certain - there is always something new to learn!

Now, if there is one inhabitant of Madagascar which has captivated many - yes, it is the lemur! There are currently around 60 ‘known’ species of Lemur (not to mention sub-species), and the latest news is that scientists discover yet another species of one of Madagascar’s favourite inhabitants.

In the North, a new species has been found and named the ‘Sheth’s Dwarf Lemur’- after Brian Sheth, a prominent conservationist. This has been a surprising discovery as most Dwarf Lemur species have been found predominantly in the eastern rainforests.

https://news.mongabay.com/2017/02/new-species-of-dwarf-lemur-discovered-in-madagascar/ Mongaby.com 07 Feb. 2017

Some interesting facts about this lemur? It is predominantly nocturnal and certainly small – around 16 - 17 cm long with a 16 cm long tail. It weighs only around 100 grams (2). This is also the ninth known species of Dwarf Lemur (3).

There are many details about this genus to clarify, and much work still to do. The Sheth’s Dwarf Lemur is fortunate – inhabiting protected areas bordering two national parks. The scientists who made this discovery though, were quick to mention that it is crucial that these areas are supported and remain ‘reserved’.

Money For Madagascar is acutely aware that to help the environment of this unique country, the people must be considered too. When the hungry or poor can find no other way to survive, then the  forests and wildlife become their main resource. So, Money For Madagascar works to ensure that people can survive without needing to exploit the land. Alongside this, MFM also plays an influential role in conservation itself – replanting forest corridors which the lemurs inhabit, and supporting communities that live around the forests, ensuring they get what they need without turning to the environment to survive.

If you would like to know more about MFM’s work, both to help the Malagasy people and to preserve this unique land, please see our website - https://www.moneyformadagascar.org,  our blog - http://moneyformadagascar.blogspot.co.uk/ ,

or consider making a donation – any money you give will go straight to those who need it, ensuring Malagasy people have less need to exploit the rainforest to get their daily needs.

(1)  WWF

(2)  Facts from https://news.mongabay.com/2017/02/new-species-of-dwarf-lemur-discovered-in-madagascar/

(3)  Wikipedia

 Contributed by Matthew Ward

75 year old MfM Patron and Travel Author is running for Madagascar!

 75 year old Money for Madagascar Patron Hilary Bradt is running two 10 kilometer runs to raise money for MfM, in Bristol on Sunday 7th May, and in London on the 29th May. As well as her patronage of MfM, Hilary is the author of the renowned Bradt travel guide books, and her guides to Madagascar are considered the authoritative guides to the country. With this keen interest in Madagascar, it only makes sense that she would want to raise money to help those who live there. 

Hilary, then age 70, after running the London 10k in 2012

Hilary has previously raised money for Money for Madagascar by running the London 10k and the 10 mile Great South run five years ago, at the age of 70. Hilary described how she considered this feat to be "quite impressive" at the time and seems upbeat about the latest challenge, but admits that there is "no hope" of getting fit in time for the impeding Bristol run.

Hilary ran the Great South Run wearing this lemur hat.

 Hilary is accepting donations via Justgiving, where there are more details about her run, and all money raised will be used to help some of the poorest people on the planet. MfM would also like to wish Hilary the best of luck with her endeavor and thank her for her ongoing commitment to supporting the Malagasy people.

Marianne’s Fundraising Run for Money for Madagascar!

Marianne Derjean is one of our supporters and she is running the Virgin London Marathon this Sunday. 

She has been busy training for this - as you can see from the photo above. This was when she was running the Cambridge half marathon in March!

She is hoping to raise funds for Money for Madagascar. The Just Giving page she has started will be open for a few more weeks so please donate generously.

If you would like to support her work, please follow the link below:

http://www.justgiving.com/Marianne-Derjean

We wish her all the very best and thank her for nominating us as the charity!

Kids Fundraising Activities in Lancaster

Money for Madagascar (MfM) would like to share with you the story of two Lancaster children who have been running fundraising activities during Lent to raise money for MfM.

Hearing about the famine which has been affecting Madagascar, Benjamin, age 8, decided he wanted to raise money to help those affected. Ben ran a "guess the name of the bear" competition at Quernmore primary school. He charged 50 pence per guess, with the winner receiving a bear which was beautifully hand-knitted by our trustee Theresa. Benjamin raised £38.35 for the famine appeal.

Benjamin

Peter, age 5, also wanted to raise money to help those affected by the famine. He ran a 'guess the number of sweets in the jar' competition at Christ Church Primary School in Lancaster. He charged 20p per guess, and managed to raise an amazing £70!

Peter

Money for Madagascar would like to thank both Benjamin and Peter for their phenomenal efforts to raise money for those affected by this famine. We would also like to thank all those who took part in these competitions, and the staff for supporting their efforts. A special thank you to Theresa Haine our trustee who continues to knit bears and lemurs to support our various initiatives. Its always nice to see something positive amidst the endless negativity in the news and media!

If you would like to know more about what MfM does, or 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!