Eklesia Episkopaly Malagasy Diosesy Toliara (Diocese of Toliara)

Description

Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, is also one of the most unique and beautiful countries on the planet. Unfortunately, over 90% of the Malagasy people live in poverty with an income less than $1.50 a day, have little access to education, clean water and few opportunities to improve their well being. About one in three adults in Madagascar are illiterate. Many children have to start helping out in their homes as young as 5 years old. Not only are economic opportunities limited, but also economic alternatives to traditional revenue sources are unavailable. Providing education, health care knowledge and economic development alternatives are critical to extending and improving lifestyle, expanding job markets and increasing economic standards of living. Opportunities are particularly accentuated for women. Women are many times seen as second class citizens and lack the education and technical skills needed to improve their standard of living, resulting in prostitution and trafficking of women and girls. Offering job opportunities and hope can improve well-being and transform lives in the friendly culture of the Malagasy people. Specifically, the people of the Southwest of Madagascar region of Toliara are known as the ‘happiest people on earth.’ (Garden of Mars by John Gimlette)al Miaraka, the Malagasy word meaning “together,” creates a desirable situation for both the local Malagasy and international educator, by creating employment opportunities, generating income for the local community and working in collaboration with the Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns for the betterment of the world. The region of Toliara in the southwestern part of the Red Island is pristine and known as “untouched.” With nearly perfect weather all year round and white sandy beaches, the area also offers world class surfing and exotic visits to Isalo and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. This gives opportunity for Notre Dame students to experience social justice in an incredibly unique environment. An array of activities can be explored and researched for the common good with global dialogues in Women’s Entrepreneurship, Women’s Issues and Health Care, and Community Collaborations. The Diocese of Toliara is the newest Diocese in Madagascar, created in April 2013. The Diocese has three major pillars Evangelism, Education and Economic Development. The Women’s Center has been a central focus for the development in the Diocese of Toliara by training and educating women to bring an income to their family situation through cooking, hospitality and hosting meeting groups, sewing, supplying and distributing sanitary napkins for the local community, creating paper bead crafts, and transforming their religious and community life through prayer and Bible studies.