We are back on the big island to live wonderful adventures, like the one we experienced today, in the centre for the children of prisoners in St Maurice, in the Avaradoha district of the Malagasy capital. It is in this small haven of peace, in the heart of Tana, that 24 children, between 18 months and 5 years old, whose mothers are incarcerated, who, without this centre, would live permanently in disastrous and dramatic conditions. Thanks to the centre, their life in prison with their mother is only effective from Friday noon to Monday morning. This contact is necessary, and the link with the mother is essential, despite the situation. In the centre, they are surrounded by people with golden hearts, who offer them a roof from Monday to Friday, food, clothing, games, learning, and also a lot of love. This centre was founded almost 20 years ago and is managed by adorable Malagasy sisters of the Congregation of St Maurice in Switzerland (lapelouse.ch). When you enter the compound, the joyful screams of the children playing in the courtyard make you smile before you even see them. As soon as they see us coming, they offer us laughter and faces with their smiles to unhook their jaws. Before spending some time with them, we leave them with Mrs. Agnes and Sr. Seheno, both of whom are educators. We are kindly invited to come to the living room to drink a lemonade with Sr. Adelaide, Sr. Claudine and Sr. Scholastica. We get to know each other better, and a good time of exchange, discussion and good laughs follow. It is with pleasure and honour that I introduce you to all the actors of this centre who offer a window of happiness to children who live horror outside.
Mrs. Agnes, who has been present since the beginning, is in charge of the teaching of the children, with the help of the young Sr. Seheno who is still in formation. Mrs. Voahangy feeds this little world, and manages the kitchen. Mrs. Fara, cleans the whole house and also manages the linen and clothes with Sr. Seheno. Mrs Henriette, is responsible for looking after the children at night, and Mr Thony takes care of the garden. Sr Scholastica is in charge of the centre and its management, Sr Adelaide is in charge of the stewardship and management of resources, and finally Sr Claudine is the regional superior of the sisters of St Maurice of Madagascar. We ended the day surrounded by these adorable children who moved us, especially when I recognized this little girl, Aina, who was already there the very first time we came to the centre, and who had proudly posed with the woolen hat we had brought that day. His generous smile reminded me that the sun always shines, even if it sometimes hides behind the clouds.
After a few photos and a few good moments of laughter, we say goodbye to all these people, assuring them that we will come back very soon to find them…
