In a continued effort to combat violence in all its forms, the Centre Arrupe Madagascar (CA-MDG), through its Health and Family Programme (Programme Santé et Famille-PSF), has rolled out a series of impactful training sessions and community engagements across the country.

On 20th April 2026, the Centre conducted targeted training activities aimed at raising awareness and equipping communities with tools to address violence and bullying. At the parish of Saint Jérôme Anosibe, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on violence—exploring its causes, manifestations, and the role of Christians in responding to such challenges. The session emphasized moral responsibility and collective action in addressing societal harm.

Meanwhile, at the Orionistes in Anatihazo Isotry, teachers and administrative staff participated in a focused awareness session on school bullying. The training highlighted early warning signs, the far-reaching consequences on learners, and practical steps educators can take to foster safer school environments. These sessions created meaningful spaces for dialogue, allowing participants to share experiences and better understand the realities surrounding violence in educational settings.

Building on this momentum, from 22nd April 2026, CA-MDG extended its mission to Toliara. The visit brought together leadership from the PSF and the Citizen Participation and Economic Efficiency (Programme Participation Citoyenne et Efficacité Économique (PCE)) Program. The first two days were dedicated to courtesy visits with key local and ecclesiastical authorities, including municipal leaders, regional government representatives, and the Archbishop of Toliara. These engagements fostered constructive dialogue on local challenges while strengthening institutional partnerships and aligning efforts toward community development.

In parallel, a participatory evaluation was conducted with ACAMA (Friends of the Centre Arrupe Madagascar) and their beneficiaries. This exercise assessed the progress of ongoing collaborations, identified best practices, and outlined areas for improvement to enhance future interventions.

On 24th April 2026, the mission culminated in a dynamic inter-associative workshop focused on the prevention of violence against women and girls, as well as support for victims. The workshop gathered 35 participants from 17 organizations actively working to combat gender-based violence. Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and collective reflections, participants deepened their understanding of local realities, analyzed root causes, and examined existing response systems and challenges.

Rooted in its mission as part of the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), the Centre Arrupe Madagascar has consistently addressed pressing social issues through its PSF program. Initially focused on combating HIV/AIDS through prevention and education—particularly among young people, vulnerable groups, and those facing discrimination—the program has, since 2019, broadened its scope to actively respond to violence against women and girls. This evolution reflects a growing commitment to safeguarding human dignity and addressing interconnected social challenges within communities.

The workshop stood out for its high level of engagement and collaboration, fostering stronger synergy among partner organizations. It laid a solid foundation for more structured, coordinated, and effective responses to violence.

This series of initiatives marks a significant step forward for the Centre Arrupe Madagascar in advancing violence prevention, strengthening victim support systems, and promoting a unified approach tailored to local realities.

By, Communications Team,

Centre Arrupe, Antananarivo, Madagascar.