The Greek Orthodox Diocese of Toliara and Southern Madagascar has announced the establishment of a new school complex—including a primary, middle, and high school—thanks to a generous contribution from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).
This marks another school built in the Diocese, with Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar describing the support as “a silent but essential support in the daily struggle of our children for education and a life with a future perspective.”
Over the past five years, the Diocese has built and currently manages nine schools. Seven thousand students are paving their way forward to a brighter future for themselves and their country.
In a public statement on social media, Bishop Prodromos extended deep thanks to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and acknowledged the “faith and consistency” of Australian bishops, clergy, and faithful who have supported the mission.
“This new school is not just another building. It is another chance at life for hundreds of children who thirst for learning and progress,” he said.
The Diocese expressed gratitude to all who contributed, adding, “Their memory will remain alive through the laughter and joy of the children who will pass through the gates of this school every day.”
According to the Diocese, the lack of educational facilities in southern Madagascar poses significant challenges to the country’s development. Many children are unable to access quality education, thereby restricting their potential for personal advancement and future employment opportunities. This educational disparity not only impacts the lives of the children but also impedes the overall progress of communities and the nation as a whole.
Greek Orthodox Church and its mission in Madagascar
The Diocese also offers award-winning medical facilities and programs to the Malagasy people in South Madagascar. Each month, its clinic in the city of Toliara services approximately 3,000 people, many of whom wait outside the clinic overnight to receive care the following day. It provides a wide range of healthcare services completely free of charge, including consultations, medications, radiology, pathology, and optometry.
The mission runs a dedicated milk supplement program aimed at providing essential nutrients to vulnerable children and has established a new orphanage, ready to serve as a safe refuge for at-risk kids. It is now awaiting government approval to officially launch child welfare services to abandoned and orphaned children and help deliver them a promising future in a secure and nurturing environment.
Among other humanitarian and philanthropic missions, the Diocese is dedicated to constructing water wells to address the needs of the people most effectively. Additionally, in regions where drilling is not viable, the mission facilitates the distribution of clean water via a mobile water tanker to ensure that all communities have access to this vital resource.
Visit the Diocese’s website for more details and to learn about how you can help with its mission in Madagascar.
Related: The Greek Priest Caring for Children and Animals in Madagascar
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