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Y Care International
launches new project for
12,000 vulnerable young Madagascans

Y Care International has launched a four year project to improve the socio-economic well-being of 12,600 vulnerable young Madagascans. Read on to find out mor.

The new project will target 12,000 vulnerable young people in urban and rural areas.

Since 2009, Madagascar has been affected by a political crisis, which has left thousands without jobs, forced the closure of essential health and education services and led to increased levels of poverty, insecurity and despair. Natural disasters such as Cyclone Giovanna in February 2012, have caused additional hardship for an already disadvantaged population.

Jacques Ulrich Andriantiana, Minister for Youth and Recreation: “Our future is conditioned by what we do for young people today”.

The project commenced in February 2012 and an official launch ceremony took place in April 2012, attended by Jacques Ulrich Andriantiana, Madagascar’s Minister for Youth and Recreation, Ambassador Leonidas Tezapsidis, EU Head of Delegation, Madagascar and other partners.

Both delegates commended the new project. Mr Andriantiana said, “Initiatives such as those of Y Care International and YMCA Madagascar are praiseworthy and deserve particular attention during this crisis period.”

Leonidas Tezapsidis, EU Ambassador. “Youth is by nature the most vulnerable part of the population, but it is also its most precious resource. It’s like a tree that begins to grow that you can change, transform.”

Mr Tezapsidis added “What is interesting about this project is its holistic approach….It covers many sectors, employment and income, access to basic services, institutional capacity building and in particular the transformation of young people into responsible citizens. It is these elements which make a programme sustainable."

YMCA staff participate in the project start-up workshop.

Following the ceremony, Y Care International’s Harriet Knox and Rehana Merali, facilitated a project start-up workshop for Madagascar YMCA. José Rambinintsoa, President of Madagascar YMCA, paid tribute to the project team, “This is a team full of young, dynamic and competent people, who demonstrate commitment and dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable young people. They are the pillars of Madagascar YMCA."

This project is funded by the European Union.

John Bishop BBC Radio 4 Appeal: Thank you

"Y Care International have been providing hope for people in some of the poorest areas in the world for over 30 years". John Bishop

On Easter Sunday 2012, as part of Y Care International's BBC Radio 4 Appeal, comedian John Bishop told his moving account of the poverty he experienced in the slums of Sierra Leone.

Y Care International is pleased to announce John's BBC Radio 4 Appeal raised a total of £10,139 which will support projects working with vulnerable young people around the world. We would like to thank John Bishop for speaking so passionately about our work and the listeners who tuned in and donated.

Please enjoy the picture gallery below which includes photographs from John's trip to Sierra Leone and his recording session at BBC Broadcasting House.

If you missed the chance to listen to John's inspiring story, it is still available online on BBC iPlayer.

Thank you for your support.