The Living Centre

The issues

Manaritsoa, otherwise known as ‘The Complex’ is one of the poorest slum areas in in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. People that live in Manaritsoa don’t have steady jobs, access to education or health care. The government intervention here is practically non-existent.

The majority of the population salvages trash and recyclables to make ends meet. This community is so poor that kids sharing one plate of food once a day is a common occurrence –sometimes even without a plate. Families numbering anything between three and fifteen individuals, occupy cramped, dilapidated shacks.

These ‘homes’ are located next to canals filthy from factories and homes upstream dumping their sewage and waste, and further used by the residents as a latrine because there are no sanitary facilities. Tap water is paid for and collected from communal taps. Cheap as the tap water is, it is often unaffordable for the residents who instead drink the filthy canal water.

Our solution

We want to help the poorest people of Madagascar to acquire a better future for themselves and their children and improve their standard of living. The Living Centre was established to provide people of Manaritsoa an oasis in the slums. Our key partner for this project is The Ark Cafe & Takeaway, without whose support this project would be impossible to continue.

The Living Centre runs a range of vocational training programs including computing, English language classes, sewing and hairdressing. As alcohol abuse is a huge problem in Madagascar, we have recently started hosting regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings as well. Scripture and Bible study classes are also held to provide spiritual nourishment to those who seek it.

Thrive Madagascar also provides daily breakfast for 40 of the poorest kids in the area and we could host up to 150 if there were more funds available.

Programs at The Living Centre

At The Living Centre, we are committed to serving our community through a range of weekly programs that support education, wellbeing, faith, and connection. Each program is designed to create a safe, welcoming space where people can grow, belong, and thrive.

Daily Support

Every weekday, we offer free after-school tutoring for children supported through our Kids In School program, helping them build confidence and succeed in their education.
We also provide emergency accommodation for individuals in need through our Emergency Relief Fund, particularly for those requiring access to medical care, including doctor consultations or surgery.

Wednesday Community Groups

Wednesdays are a special day of connection and encouragement:

• • Morning: Mum’s and bubs Bible study, and a men’s Bible study
  • Afternoon: Teen girls and teen boys Bible studies

These gatherings are relaxed and welcoming spaces where participants read, share, learn, and enjoy snacks together.

Alcohol Recovery Support

We host a weekly AA group for individuals seeking freedom from alcohol addiction. With alcohol being both cheap and widely accessible in Madagascar, this program has become a vital source of hope and restoration for many individuals and families in our community.

Friday Creative Arts

On Fridays, we run dance and music classes. These sessions are not only fun and expressive but also help participants prepare for Sunday church services.

Saturday Disability Support Group

Our Thrive Disability Support Group (TDSG), established in 2018, exists to support people living with disabilities who often face significant neglect and isolation in Madagascar.

Each week, participants come together to:

• • Share meals or snacks
  • Learn practical skills such as cooking, arts and crafts, and gardening
  • Build friendships and community

This program has brought genuine joy and connection to many lives. Looking ahead, we are working towards creating housing and employment opportunities for members.

Saturday Youth Group

On Saturday afternoons, our youth group gathers for games, music, dance, and meaningful learning. It’s a vibrant, fun environment where young people can grow in confidence and community.

Sunday Church

Each Sunday morning, we host Thrive Church. Many attendees are connected through our programs, alongside others from the surrounding local communities. It is a time of worship, encouragement, and belonging for all.

Our Wider Reach

All of these programs are also run at our second location in Soavinandriana, Itasy. This site serves a larger number of people, with expanded classes and additional sessions to meet the growing need.

Ways YOU can help

We want to welcome more children in to be fed, and more adults to be trained. Manaritsoa has many more complex problems that need to be addressed. Your sponsorship or donation can permanently and positively impact the people’s lives as well as change Madagascar’s future.