In Madagascar, 8 out of 10 children experience emotional abuse.
Madagascar is home for our Founder and where our work naturally began.
The patterns of emotional abuse we see in Madagascar are not unique to this country. What differs here is the scale and the conditions that sustain them.
The lessons we gain help us understand what might be adapted to other settings and what must remain firmly rooted in the lived experience of this context.
Intergenerational Trauma
Many adults experienced violence or neglect in their own upbringing, shaping how emotions are expressed.
Financial Insecurity
Chronic poverty and lack of stable income create daily stress that impacts children's emotional wellbeing.
Limited Mental Health Resources
Access to mental health support is scarce, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Disciplinary Norms
Corporal punishment and harsh discipline are often seen as normal or necessary.
Social and Cultural Stressors
Gender inequality, early marriage, and community violence increase the risk of emotional harm.
Lack of Awareness
Many caregivers are unaware of the long-term impact of emotional abuse or positive parenting practices.
Where it all started
Our home, Our impact, Our Purpose.
4
Regions Served
20,000+
People Reached
5,000+
Children & Youth Impacted
425+
Community Educators Trained
100+
Schools & Communities Partner
Fulbright Scholars from the Omena Community
Country Program Officer,
Omena (2021–2023)
Fulbright Scholar 2023
Miantso joined Omena as a volunteer and later became the Country Program Officer. She played a key role in launching Madagascar’s first pilot Community of Practice for Social-Emotional Learning and was the first Master Trainer, which allowed the training to expand beyond the capital.
Miantso was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue her Master’s in Community Development & Action at Vanderbilt University in 2023.
Community Educator,
Omena (2020-2024)
Fulbright Scholar 2024
Lalarizo is part of the very first cohort of educators. He later invited his wife to join the community, and together, they have used Omena’s tools and methods to improve emotional literacy in his family.
He has shared his experience with other families through our community and awareness programs.
Lalarizo was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue Oncology and Cancer Biology at Drexel University.
By addressing the root causes of harm prevention model, individuals gain the skills and confidence to move forward, gradually becoming more resilient and better equipped to contribute to their communities and society.
Training, curriculum, and coordination support.
Facilitate local implementation and access.
Implementation data.
Support policy integration and local outreach.
Workshops focused on building skills for emotional resilience and resolution.
Commit to participation and implementation.
We welcome partnerships that drive meaningful, measurable change.
