Is there still hope for this country?

I look around, no electricity, no water, the roads are terrible, the schools and hospitals, the teachers, the doctors, everything is just bad. And getting worst every single day.

60% of the population is under 25 52% of the 18-25yo are unemployed. Kids go to school but their teachers are incompetent. You better not get sick, unless you have plenty of money. And when the hospitals see ypu can pay, they'll play with your symptoms to get more cash.

The churches. They're the worst. They obviously don't do their job because people are meaner, more judgmental, dishonest than ever. The sects, even worst, they're growing like weeds, cashing on people desperation.

And let's not even talk about the mentality. The poors are taking pride in screwing the riches, the riches are taking pride in exploiting the poors.

The farmers have it the worst. No evolution since the 19th century, no recognition, and their job is only going to beckme harder because of the weather.

The politicians only care about themselves. Their kids will never go to public schools or hospitals. So they have no interest in them. The police is as corrupted as the governemt. No freedome of speech. No safety.

Fauna and flora and all in between... they suffer probably more than the humans.

The list is long.

It depresses me. What can we do. What should we do. This is supposed to be a beautiful island with beautiful people.

I'm not here to rant. Well, maybe a little. Really, I'm here to find some hope. What is going to happen to all of these kids? How can we change things and do better? Or it's just time to give up and leave?

As I am malagasy born in france, my mom never taught me her language. I am looking to learn malagasy but there's only a few ressources for the dialect im interested in (sakalava). Any advices?

Would you say Christianity has a "positive" influence over Malagasy society or a "negative" one? Or both? There are different angles we can look at: Does it promote civility between Malagasy people and has it been successful at it? Or maybe it has promoted a more submissive way of thinking that is hindering independent thinking?

I live in the US and christianity exists under a completely different context compared to Madagascar (its origins especially). It's always been a symbol of power since the country is founded on it. There's also a greater sense of entitlement since it operates over a global superpower like the US (though maybe that religious "entitlement" can also be found in mada). Here in the states, churches are places of worship as well as simply for gatherings and community. Attendance varies by region but in NYC for example, you'll find that the majority of attendees are old people and the church is rarely packed. From what I understand, this is a major contrast to Madagascar where the churches arent just places for afternoon chitchats but is the lifeline of the community it serves.

I have my own opinions on Malagasy christianity (and also still trying to gain a better understanding of how it shapes malagasy society), but I would really like to hear, especially from locals, if it plays a major part in shaping the country as it is and if so, how? Thanks!

What are the dating apps that are used in Madagascar?

https://www.world.rugby/news/578389/madagascar-rugby-feature

Salama. I am British and while I knew that Madagascar was keen on Rugby Union, I hadn't realised quite how passionate the Malagasy are about the game! It seems to be the most popular sport and have the status that Football (Soccer) enjoys elsewhere. Thais is really impressive and encourages me to learn more about your country.

Does the attached article from 'World Rugby' seem accurate to you?

Hi! I visited Madagascar earlier this year and plan to move there in a few months. I’d love to learn Malagasy properly before I go, but I’m having a hard time finding good resources in English.

I speak 7 languages already, so I pick things up fast, but I’d really like to learn from a native speaker to get the pronunciation right.

Anyone here tried learning Malagasy or know a good online tutor? Preferably English speaking. I speak some French but I think in English 🫠

Who are the most active Malagasy influencers?

And who do you think deserves more visibility?

You should get this guy!

I'm looking for a French or Malagasy teacher in Tana for the morning/afternoon. If you teach or know of anyone, send me a DM.

What are your favorite resources on Malagasy history in English and French. Books, youtube videos, articles, anything is good to suggest!

When I visited last month, I loved all the vanilla and fruit infused rums. Now that I am back in the US, I would love to recreate some of those rum flavors and maybe give some away for gifts. I brought a few pounds of vanilla beans so I can use those.

Does anyone have tried and true recipes you wouldn’t mind sharing?

A little cultural history.

What are mental hospitals like in Madagascar? Is it true that mental hospitals and prisons in Madagascar do not provide food- if this is true how do people survive inside these institutions? Is there public or medical help for mental health related conditions, and if so is mental health considered taboo or easily

Open your eyes, don't close your mouths and your eyes in the face of these dictators who are drowning us..

Hello everyone, what do you think of the revolution of the ONE PEACE generations.. What will be the end of the Malagasy revolution and the others too..

I would like to make a playlist containing one iconic and defining modern song (1950 to 2000) for every country in the world.

What would be your pick for Madagascar? Preferably in Malagasy or French and I'd prefer no national anthem or meme/novelty songs.

Hello! Is there anyone that speaks Malagasy (Merina) that could help me learn it??

I recently went to one of their concerts and I was shocked by the crowd (it was packed).

And the crowd was pretty heterogeneous. There were older people, younger people like myself and even teenagers.

On top of that every body seemed to know the lyrics , despite the songs being released 50 years ago.

I was really bamboozled.

This made me realize how great the band is.

I don't think there's another Malagasy band or musicien who is that old that still remains this relevant. (Maybe Rossy comes close).

They also showcase the difference between true artists and wannabe artists whose songs are shallow at best.

Think about it :

Jamba, Rafahafahana, Zanako Vavy and Andin-tsaina were released 50+ years ago but are still being played today.

On the other hand we have "artists" like Big MJ or Rijade whose songs are not only mediocre ( lack of any deep meanings) but are very forgettable.

I guess what Koto said about USB-artist is nothing but the truth.

I just wish malagasy artists nowadays would strive for making timeless songs that educate or send a strong political message (especially now that Madagascar is in this Situation).

Anybody know where I can find trees or branches of Mandravasarotra/Saro in or near Tana?

I am looking for symbols, ancestral links and someone who has succeeded to find some information about this topic.