orphanage projects

The main feed supplier for our eel stock "Skretting" based on Holland, have sponsored the production of 25 footballs, which they have kindly donated to our operations based locally in Mananjary. We have since donated 4 footballs to Fanantenane orphanage last Friday, which was greatly received and appreciated. Tomorrow (10/10/09) both myself and Cathy Lewis will donate 4 footballs to Catja orphanage.

Project objectives

• Provide the financial means to develop each orphanage to a level that will facilitate their capacity for both volunteers and workers to integrate and educate the children.
• To assess priority areas where help is needed such that RG can help on both a financial and work basis, and to make provisions for additional facilities that are otherwise unavailable to them due to limited funds.
• To collaborate with the directors on site who can provide research into the current social context for each child's situation and background that led many of the children to the orphanage. Through this RG would like to propose and prepare for a means by which children from Mauritius can indirectly/directly integrate with each child through an FSC project operated by Tina Smith in Mananjary and Cathy Lewis based in Mauritius - "Friends stay connected". Children from Mauritius will have the opportunity to learn about the lives of children here in Mananjary and work together to operate small-scale fundraising events that can be donated directly to the children by way of toys and materials; items that will enhance mental and social development in each child. Furthermore, each child will be paired with an International friend who through this blogspot can access up to date information on activities and progress made at the orphanages, and/or any personal messages sent between friends online. Children may also want to send hand delivered mail, which can be delivered by Management on their regular visits to Mananjary.

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.