Big Campfire but Sadly No Marshmallows

The orange glow of the fire, storytelling, dancing, singing, skits and snacks. The campfire had it all.

 Sept. 7, 2011 Text and Photos by Chad Lebo

Chilly nights and some old wood torn out from a current refurbishment of the Halfway House seemed like two good excuses for a big campfire. The children took turns singing, dancing and even performing skits and riddles. Guitars were strum and Malagasy folktales told before the fire burned down and eyes were too weary to stay open.

It was a wonderful treat. One we are sure to do again soon.

Annual Akany Avoko Christmas Show

Dec. 29, 2010 Text, Photos and Video by Chad Lebo

After weeks and weeks of practices and rehearsals, the children put on their best clothes and put their best feet forward for the annual Akany Avoko Christmas Show. The guests, staff and the children themselves were treated to dancing, singing and even a morality play with a quite convincing devil that only managed to scare a few children (and possibly this reporter).

Run, Pete...Run

October 28, 2010 Text by Pete Kirby

On 17th October 2010, I ran and finished the Abingdon Marathon in 3 hours 47 mins. I am hoping to raise £1000 for Akany Avoko, a residential children’s home near Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Currently, young women studying for exams in further/higher education share crowded dormitories with lively noisy children of all ages. This makes it incredibly difficult for them to study and revise. Akany Avoko would like to construct a small combined dormitory and study building on land within their grounds. This would cost in the region of £5000, but would provide a home to current and future generations of formerly destitute young women passing through the centre, whilst working their way towards independence. More details from akany.avoko@moov.mg.

By sponsoring me, your money will go towards the overall cost of this project.

Donating through JustGiving is fast and secure. JustGiving will send your money directly to Money for Madagascar. Any amount that you are able to donate will be going to a great cause.

Thank you.

[To donate please visit Pete's official page at Justgiving.org.]

Down with the Old; Up with the New

The "tear down" didn't take long; the "build up" should be  complete by about mid-November.

Oct. 6, 2010 text and photos by Chad Lebo

Does one halfway house plus another halfway house make a whole-way house? Well, in another month or so, we will find out. The old cow house in front of the primary school has come down and rising out of its ashes (actually just bits of brick and dust, but ashes sounds more dramatic) is rising the halfway house part deux.