TSARAHASINA-PORT-BERGE

The school was opened on 13th September 2004. It was run initially by a layman called “Mr Parami Gissitophe” until the arrival of the Sisters in 2011.

At the start, in 2004, the total number of pupils was 52 for two classes. This year there were 582 pupils.

From 2004 to 2012 the students were in one building. In 2012, 2013 and 2014 three new buildings were constructed providing 22 classrooms for primary children and three rooms for teachers and a library.

2004

2014

This year, because of a process of regional reorganisation, the Curate, (Father Bernard de Bourran) took the initiative of opening a SCHOOL CANTEEN for pupils during the three months, January, February and March. Fifty pupils benefited from this.

Unstable marriages and adherence to traditional religions influence education in many ways.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

We accepted boys and fathers of families who expressed an interest to follow courses in country areas.
Here are the difficulties faced by women: infidelity of husbands, instability of marriage, long distances, a lack of people to care for children. Sister Claudine and Sister Meltine travel as far as 22 kilometres to meet with women to teach them embroidery and cooking and to raise awareness of how to avoid cohabitation and irresponsible styles of life.

PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT

Tsarahasina became a district in 2011. It is the fifth district in the diocese. This year two priests and a manager collaborate with us in organising the program of Evangelisation.
 On a geographical and historical level:
The district is spread across three towns with around 61,000 inhabitants. It extends for approximately 900.2 Kilometres, 36 kilometres from North to South, 26 Communities live there. It is divided into three inspectorates (Fiadidiana), so there are three authorities who work with us. Among them seven pray in public schools or in private houses.

The oldest Church was built in 1929 and the most recent in 2013. The majority of people are not yet Christians. Many are in the process of becoming Christian.

Among the catechists, 17 are baptised, four have celebrated the sacrament of marriage and 20 are reflecting and preparing for this Sacrament.

We have not had the sacrament of Confirmation since we came but we hope to have it celebrated this year.

Generally in all the districts more than 200 people are preparing to become Catholics.

Method of transport: the canoe for visiting some areas

 Action on the pastoral level

We visit each community at least twice a year. We supervise more closely the four areas where there is a primary school. Each year we provide a course of formation for catechists and supervisors, as well as a time of reflection for each group of catechumens.

 The problem encountered

The problem we meet is that the faith is not well rooted in Christ. Traditional religious practice still dominates: “TROMBA, KALANORO, PIMASSY”. There are also sects that attract people easily.

In spite of all this a seed of hope is germinating little by little, especially because of the schools.

 The day for Mgr Georges Varkey

On 5th January 2014, a large gathering took place in the big open space in front of the Cathedral for his consecration as Pastor of the Diocese.