Cult of the dead and harsh poverty

The cult of the dead on the “Red Island” broods over the whole country like a curse. On public holidays the bones of the dead are removed from their graves during the day in order for them to be present for the dances in honour of the gods, accompanied by excessive alcohol consumption. The consequences are devastating. Grim poverty has the entire nation in its grasp.

95% of the forests have been cut down. As a result, cyclones, along with heavy rain and hurricanes, destroy the vitally important rice harvest almost every year.

Living on rubbish dumps

Rubbish dumps are sought-after places to live, often for people’s entire lives. After all, at least there are refuse remains to be had here, which you can more or less live off. The children are marked by poverty from an early age. Even by the age of five some of them look like old people: beyond recognition, dirty, wearing torn clothing, bitter, helpless, darkened, unable to lift their gaze. Since 2006, AVC has a full-time worker in Jean Forschlé, but help was being provided even before that. The work on Madagascar is led by AVC in cooperation with three German free churches from Karlsruhe, Kehl and Baden-Baden.

: Sought-after “residence”

: Marked from an early age

Aid projects

Good intentions and human ability alone are not sufficient to cope with the devastating misery, nor are mere changes in circumstances. This is why AVC is interested in both external and internal renewal.

Giving hope through the good news of Jesus

In recent years, several free churches have been established. AVC supports these both financially and by providing training.

Medical care

In one village, a small outpatients’ clinic has been set up which serves the entire region. For needs in remote areas that could only otherwise be reached by several days’ journey on foot, a helicopter is available almost free of charge.

: “Doctor’s surgery” in isolated areas

Emergency aid

On the landfill site, AVC helps at short notice where the misery expresses itself in unbearable forms.

School education

A new educational centre is currently under construction in Ambovo on the edge of the capital. Since 2008, 160 children have been attending nursery and primary school. In the coming years, this will gradually be expanded. A village outpatients’ clinic is also being set up within the buildings.