Sponsor's update from Antananarivo (Vontovorona), Madagascar

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Antananarivo (Vontovorona), Madagascar from December 2008.

As at the end of 2008, there were a total of 140 children who had found a family at the SOS Children's Village. These were split into those in family houses (120) - 62 boys and 58 girls. A number of teenagers who were living independently which totalled 20 including four boys who were joining those already starting to live independantly.

No new children came to the SOS Children's Village but nine were transferred. They were integrated through SISOP (Service of Social Insertion and Vocational guidance) and are currently following present their studies in second cycle. Four boys from the family houses moved up to the Youth project to start living independantly with support from the village workers.

Education
The results for official exams at the end of the year school on 2007 - 2008 were as follows: CEPE : 12/13 = 92,31 % of success and BEPC where students achieved 100 % success rate.

Children's activities in Madagascar

Four sports disciplines were practiced by the children of the Village : football, basketball, volleyball and athletics.

In July, a big exit to Mahajanga was realised regrouping all the families of the Village during 10 days. Children and adults (mothers SOS, Aunts SOS, educators and presenters) shared inestimable happiness on the beach. Many children saw for the first time the sea.

The other activities animated the life of the children such as films projection for children, scouting, club "environment", dance.

Thirty five children participated actively in the 5-th edition Forum of professions organised by the Service of Insertion and Vocational guidance.

The children were able to express their love for their "mothers" during the celebration of the "Mother's Day" by offering them bouquets of poems, songs and dances and naturally presents. One was able to read enjoyment and emotion on the faces of the mothers, so making us forget at this moment the cold of winter.

Father's Day, although less celebrated than that of the mothers, stays an unforgettable moment for the "men" of the Village because one realised, once again, how much the role of the "father" is important in the education of the children of the Village and with the mothers and the aunts SOS.

Educational sessions in Health of reproduction for teenagers (SRA) were organised by the team of the medical centre for youngsters

Christmas was celebrated for the 20th time in the Village. This year, we had, besides the participation of all the Village’s children, that of the choir outside.