Massive Celebration of International Poverty Eradication Day in Madagascar

In Tananarive, the October 17, 2012 event had two different stages:

  • On October 17, 2012 a conference and debate on the theme: “Putting an end to the violence of poverty: using everyone’s capacities to build peace.”
  • On October 20, 2012 with clean-up work in the Antohomadinika III G hangar and Andramiarana neighborhoods where the ATD Fourth World Madagascar Movement carries out actions with families, youth and children.

An events committee, including families from Andramiarana and Antohomadinika, supporters, children and volunteers worked together to prepare these events. Meetings were held once a week where everyone could speak freely and give constructive criticism. On October 17, there was a conference in the Analakely Germano Malagasy Circle, on the theme: “Putting an end to the violence of poverty: using everyone’s capacities to build peace.” Amongst the participants were families from Andramiarana and Antohomadinika, some NGOs and Associations such as Ankohonana Sahirana Arenina (ASA), Environment Development Action in the Indian Ocean (enda O I), France Volontaire, Reggio Terzo Mondo (RTM), Child Live Care of Madagascar, etc. Some ministers were represented, such as the Minister of Youth and the Minister of the Population. Journalists also covered this event. There was standing room only in this 100 seat room and people even listened from the outside.

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Participants in the debate and conference

The program included an introductory speech by the President of ATD Fourth World, the Indian Ocean delegate gave a conference, the “Extreme poverty is violence” video was shown, there were testimonials, thetext on the Trocadéro Human Rights Plaza was read, and the national Delegate gave the closing speech.

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The speakers

October 20th was devoted to cleaning up the Antohomadinika III G Hangar neighborhood in the morning and the Andramiarana neighborhood in the afternoon. In both cases everyone participated enthusiastically, both rich and poor. They were all together with the goal of cleaning up these neighborhoods and giving them a new and clean look. That was also a way to encourage others to follow this example and continue efforts already underway.

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Andramiarana families
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Various clean- up measures in the five districts in this neighborhood
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Various clean- up measures in the five districts in this neighborhood

While sweeping, some people said that this type of activity should be continued whereas others said that efforts should be made not to throw trash in the streets.

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The Minister of the Population

The Minister of the Population, who was unable to come in the morning, honored the Andramiarana neighborhood in the afternoon and brought gifts to the participants after they had finished working.