Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
even more importantly the authority of his backing confers a considerable degree of pro-
tection. Always defer to his advice. And find out about local
fady
before doing anything.'
Wastedisposal
Madagascarhasnomechanisedrecyclingplants.Instead,thepoorestofthe
poor scavenge the rubbish dumps in the larger towns. Clothes, containers and suchlike will
befoundandreused.Inruralareasrubbishissimplydumpedonthebeachoronwasteland.
Therefore whenever possible take your rubbish home with you, or at least back to the city.
Theexceptionisplasticbottles:ruralpeopleinMadagascarneedallthecontainerstheycan
get for carrying or storing water or other liquids, so whenever possible, give your empty
water bottles to villagers.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
There are several ways in which you can make a positive contribution. By making a dona-
tion to a local project you can help the people - and the wildlife - without creating new
problems.
My initiation to the concept of 'giving something back' was 15 years ago when I met
a couple of English teachers, Jill and Charlie Hadfield, who told me how they had started
The Streetkids Project. Visiting a charity run by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Tana,
theycouldseewherealittle moneycouldgoalongwayandtheystarted raisingmoneyfor
the Centre Fihavanana (see
Click Here
). The nuns run - amongst other things - a preparat-
oryschoolfortheverypoor.Whenthechildrenarereadytogoontostateschool,however,
the parents can't afford the £15 a year they must pay for registration, uniform and topics,
so the children are condemned to return to the streets as beggars. The Streetkids Project
raises money to continue their education. It is surprising how often tourists are so affec-
ted by what they experience in Madagascar that they team up with local people to found a
charity.
CENTRE FIHAVANANA (STREETKIDS CENTRE)
Hilary Bradt
Run by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, their activities are aimed mainly at women
and children. About 300 children aged 3-12 are taught in four classes and many do
well enough to get into state primary school. Undernourished babies are fed and their
destitute mothers given training in childcare. Teenagers come to the centre to learn
basic skills and handicrafts. Elderly people come twice a month for a little food, com-
pany and care. Food is taken weekly to over 300 women, teenagers and children in
