Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Thousands of families face food shortages and are unable to cover the most basic needs as their income continues to decline. Madagascan children represent the most vulnerable segment of the population – they are in urgent need of support and protection.
.JPG?width=240&height=171 "Children playing at the SOS Kindergarten (photo: SOS archives)")
Antsirabe is located in the central highlands of Madagascar and has a population of over 200,000. The city was chosen as the site for the third SOS Children’s Village due to the rural exodus that was taking place in the region, meaning an increase in the number of people living without basic infrastructure in precarious conditions on the outskirts of the city. We also hoped that young people would be able to find work in the city once they had completed their education.
Antsirabe experienced steady economic growth, mainly thanks to its industry including food, beverages and textile factories. However, the political crisis that began in 2009 led to an economic downturn and many people lost their jobs.
In the surrounding rural areas, people make a living in agriculture, mainly in the cultivation of rice. Rural poverty levels are still very high in the region and the majority of households here do not have running water in their homes. This means that women, and in many cases young girls, have to walk to a shared well and carry buckets of water home.
Child labour continues to be a problem in the region: in the city, children work as domestic servants and in trade. In rural areas, they care for livestock and perform agricultural tasks.. The main reason why children have to work is the poverty of many families. Often, parents feel they have no choice but to rely on their children’s contribution to the household income.
SOS Children’s Villages began its work in Antsirabe in 2003. In recent years, we have continuously expanded our family strengthening programme in the region so as to reach as many struggling families as possible. The aim is to alleviate hardship and maintain family stability so that children will be safe and protected and grow up in a loving home. SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children have access to essential health and nutritional services, as well as education.. We assist parents by providing guidance on income-generating skills and parenting practices, as well as counselling and psychological In cooperation with local organisations, we work towards strengthening the support systems for vulnerable families within the community.
.JPG?width=240&height=160 "An SOS family sits down for a meal together (photo: SOS archives).")
Care for children who cannot live with their families: For children from the region who are no longer able to live with their parents, SOS families can provide a loving home. In each family, the children live with their brothers and sisters, affectionately cared for by their SOS parents.
Supporting young people: Due to the economic situation in the country, it is often difficult for young people to find a job and become independent. SOS Children's Villages supports them while they attend further education and receive training. We also help them find work.
Education: The children attend the SOS Kindergarten together with children from the neighbourhood, which ensures that they are integrated into the local community from a young age. The children then go on to complete their primary and secondary education at the SOS schools, which are attended by around 500 pupils.
Medical care: The SOS Medical Centre offers medical assistance especially to pregnant women and babies. We also provide check-ups, vaccination programmes and other preventive measures.
