Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
graphyyoucanshowthemimmediately.Oryoucangofurther,asonereaderdid(see
Click
down the addresses of people in your photos and honour your promise to send copies.
Philip Thomas writes: 'A Malagasy, for whom a photograph will be a highly treasured
souvenir, will remember the taking of the photograph and your promise to send them a
copy, a lot longer than you might. Their disappointment in those who say one thing and do
another is great, so if you think you might not get it together to send the photograph then
do not say that you will.'
A responsible attitude to photography is so much more fun! And it results in better pic-
tures. It involves taking some time getting to know the subject of your photo: making a
purchase, perhaps, or practising your Malagasy greetings.
THEEFFECTSOFTOURISMONLOCALS
TheimpactofforeignersontheMalagasy
was noted as long ago as 1669 when a visitor commented that formerly the natives
were deeply respectful of white men but were changed 'by the bad examples which the
Europeans have had, who glory in the sin of luxury in this country...'.
AKANY AVOKO
Hilary Bradt
Akany Avoko is a Children's Home caring for around 120 abandoned and impover-
ishedchildren.Forover40yearsAkanyAvokohasfed,clothed,educated andgivena
securehometoorphans,streetkids,childrenfrombrokenfamilies,youngpeoplewith
disabilities, teenage girls on remand and teenage mums with their babies. It is sus-
tainedsolelybycharitabledonationsandincome-generatingprojectswithinthecentre
itself.
Aswell asprovidingfood,shelter,schooling andprimary healthcare tothechildren
wholivethere,AkanyAvokoworkstoensurethatthechildrenarecapableofsupport-
ing themselves in the future and also to provide environmental education, enabling
futuregenerationsofMalagasypeopletohelpboththemselvesandMadagascar'spre-
cious environment.
Akany Avoko's 'green' projects are an inspiration: they use solar cooking and
water-heating,organicfoodproduction,andsustainablewaterandwastemanagement.
Biogas and compost toilets provide methane for cooking as well as fertiliser. Carbon-
ised pine-needles are mixed with clay for fuel.
In addition to the academic education offered to its children, vocational training
includes cookery, hairdressing, dressmaking, hospitality, woodwork, IT and garden-
ing. Traditional dance, sports, games and fun are also very much part of the centre's
weekly routine.
