Orphanage projects

Local Taboo or “fady” culture is commonplace in Madagascar and an important influencing factor in the ways of daily life. Fady varies between communities and from person to person. While fady culture may relate to daily actions, or food, there are fady’s like the situation surrounding twins that may be considered cruel among the more educated people who have a more modern way of thinking and approach to daily life.

There are currently only two orphanages in the town of Mananjary that cater for abandoned twins.

One is called Fanantenane, which in Malagasy means “hope”. The Director’s name is Gerrard Bouffet who is based in France in Poitiers. The orphanage has an on-site medical centre, which they have named Marie Christalle. This was named after the Director’s daughter who died at a young age. The onsite assistant director who manages the operations on-site is Andriamampionona Tovo Aina.

At this orphanage there are 59 children in total ranging in age from only a few months to 18 years of age. Twins are mostly brought in after birth but they also cater for older abandoned children that are not necessarily brought in due to reasons surrounding the fady culture.

The second is called CATJA “Centre d’accueil et de Transit des Jumeaux Abandonnes”. In English: “A Centre welcoming and transiting abandoned twins”. Here, there are 82 children in total ranging in age from only a few months to 20 years of age. The Director is based at the Orphanage. Her name is Madame Julie.

Ripple Group in Madagascar are in a position to help such local organisations both on a financial scale and through the provision of additional facilities and materials that may be used for and by the children as a means to improve and enhance daily life through; education and social awareness.