Nuns help the vulnerable women of Madagascar
Religious sisters in Madagascar work with women in vulnerable positions. They offer education, teach them new skills, and help them find a job and be more independent.
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Hearth of Mary of Diego-Suarez (CIM-D/S) in Madagascar helps women in vulnerable positions by offering them education and help with finding jobs. The congregation was founded by Archbishop Edmond-Marie-Jean Wolff in 1955, and since its establishment, its members work for those in need by providing them spiritual guidance and practical support.
“Our founder, Archbishop Jean-Wolf emphasized the importance of supporting women so they can navigate life’s challenges. He believed that empowering women, especially those in difficult circumstances, was key to helping them find their rightful place in society.”
Said Sr. Victoire Noeline Rasoamanarivo, secretary general of the CIM-D/S, in an interview with ACI Africa. She added that they initiated a plan to enhance their work of helping women in vulnerable positions, especially single mothers. The plan is realized in the Jean-Wolff Multi-Purpose Center in Antsiranana Archdiocese, where the nuns offer education and training in domestic work, so women who attend the program can find employment with higher chances. Sr. Rasoamanarivo said that,
“Many of the women are young mothers, who were forced to leave school early. We reach out to them through local churches, letting them know that our center is here to help.”
In their center, the sisters teach about 40 women right now how to manage household chores in the most effective ways and how to use modern appliances. Women in the center not only receive training in practical skills but also gain spiritual guidance.
“We train them intellectually and spiritually. We focus on communication, prayer, and understanding their faith. It’s about more than just learning a trade – it’s about building confidence and self-worth,”
explained Sr. Rasoamanarivo. Completing the program takes two months, and there is training three times a week. After successfully completing the program, the participants receive a certificate and are employed as interns in hotels and restaurants. The secretary general added that the program so far is a success and the feedback about their students is positive.
“We’ve partnered with several establishments in the Dioceses where we are found. The feedback from the employers has been very positive. They appreciate the level of training our women receive, and many have encouraged us to continue and expand our program.”
She also explained that they finance their program on their own.
“We rely on the income generated from our farming activities. We raise chickens and cultivate rice to sustain our mission. It’s hard work, but it’s necessary to keep our programs running.”
Despite the financial hardships, Sr. Rasoamanarivo expressed her joy about the growth and the work of their congregation. 271 members, 16 novices, and 11 postulants currently belong to the congregation. Sr. Rasoamanarivo said that even though there are hardships for generating the funds, she is happy that the congregation is growing and they are able to help vulnerable women and overall many more in Madagascar and beyond to realize their full potential in every way possible.
Source: ACI Africa
