I have also worked in Madagascar where I was introduced to Gerard, via French (and Canadian) friends I worked with there. He is an ex-Catholic priest who is now married with a young family. Madagascar is desperately poor, with an average population age of just 17, yet less than 10% of children complete education. The poverty trap is sprung, and children are fed dried locusts as protein supplements.

Gerard has established a school for the poorest children in his town, and the cost of running a school for 70 kids who would otherwise be unable to afford education is £22,000 a year. This includes food and accommodation for the children, and the salary for two full time teachers.

Again, the potential benefits for these children from this investment are huge. In common with each of the other projects, I am convinced that the benefit for the future of these young people and their countries is huge compared to the relatively small amount of investment required. But I can’t do it without help. And although there are many good people who have already contributed time, clothes, toys and money we would hugely appreciate any financial assistance. I am happy to come and talk to anyone who wishes to know more about our work and plans for the future. 

Again, the practicalities of this venture have proved a difficult hurdle to surmount. Although my friend Jeanne tried to facilitate support of the school run by Gerard, the infrastructure there made it very difficult to effect sustainable change and my role in this project has now ended.