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My Grandmother [my Mom's mother] did not work at all, in her life. I mean, she did not earn money. She told me women stayed home. The traditional belief says that the husband makes money and the wife takes care of the house and the kids. So, only men worked.
My Grandmother explained that life was easier and cheaper at that time. Women did not need to earn money. Men could afford all the needs of the family (with 7 sons and 7 daughters 
).
My Grandpa [my Dad's father] was among the richest men in his village. So, in order to respect the tradition, as all women did at that time, his wife (my Grandma [my Dad's mother]) did not have any job. But my Grandpa died and left a widow with 8 children. Some months after my Grandpa’s death, my Dad’s family ran out of money. My Grandma was not prepared to search for money in her life and did not know what to do. She had to feed her children and send them to school. Consequently, she became a couturier. She did not earn as much as her husband, for sure, but she could bring up her children and can be proud of them now.
My Mom is a teacher. She has worked ever since she was young. She said that life had become more 
difficult and expensive. It was not an obligation yet but it was advised for the family. Because the money the husband brought home was just enough for the family to survive. But if the wife could work, the family could save money in order to pay a doctor and for medecines when needed, or to buy a fridge for example-or why not to buy ahouse for themselves.
Women started to work but most jobs were only for men such as being a doctor or a pilot or a taxi/bus driver… Women could be, for example, a teacher (like my lovely Mom ) or a hairdresser or a secretary…
Nowadays, things have really changed. Women go to school and get diplomas. They go to work. And there are no specific jobs for men anymore. Women can study and become doctors, pilots, or anything they want to be. I am among those women who work.
Women work for more reasons other than to survive the high cost of life. The culture has changed (we are in the 21st century now). All the women work; so do I. Also, since tradition and culture had changed, and women work just like men do, and women share the expenses of the family with the men, then men should be able to help the women to do the duties at home. (So the man who would marry me better be prepared to do just so )
Women face other difficulties as well. There are some companies which ill-treat women or do not recruit women even if they meet the requirements to do the job. This is just because of the fact that women can be pregnant and give birth so the companies think they will not be efficient while being pregnant. And once pregnant, they will get the maternity leave (about 14 weeks) so the companies will have to find someone else to replace them during their absence, and still after that they will have to stay at home and take care of their babies when they fall sick.
Although – I am sorry men – I think women are better than men at work. Women are more serious and more careful. But most of the time, women panic and get emotional when they face problems.
I am a woman and I work. I will get married, will take care of my home and will have kids (2 ). I take my life as a big challenge. People who lived before my Grandparents did not even need to work, both men and women. They just went in the forest and picked all the fruits they could eat. It seems like life is getting harder. But when it will be my turn to talk about my life to my children and my grandchildren, I want them to hear a nice story. That is why I try to take my life easy and enjoy it.
too beautiful to disappear
One Saturday, during ICE meeting, we discussed « environment ». Environment is everything surrounding us. Volana said: “Environment is divided into two parts: the natural one and the artificial one”.
Then, we came out with all the problems. Let us start with what happen in the countryside. Almost all the farmers still keep the traditional method of rice plantation. For that, they still practice “tavy”. They cut the forest and burn the ground, then plant the rice on the burned soil. The wood will be transformed into charcoal.
I have noticed a thing: people from downtown only “throw rocks” to peasants. But what do they really do for the good of the environment? How many of our homes use charcoal? Then, every where on the streets, what do we have? Answer: trashes. And? And exhaust fumes. And? And polluted smokes from industries…
So, what are the right solutions? The law decided to imprison for life everyone who will be caught burning forest. Is it enforced? I do not think so. At the club, we all said: cars with exhaust fumes should not be allowed here in Madagascar, people practicing “tavy” should be imprisoned, farmers should be more sensitized to use modern method. 
But here is the most interesting: we all had been asked if we “personally” care about the environment and what we do to protect it. I am going to speak for myself. I would say YES but what did I really do until now? Can we take into account the fact that I do not throw my trashes anywhere?
wanna survive
Let me be serious now, I was one of those who really cared about environment, climate changes, protecting endemic plants and animals, planting trees… but what happened to me? TIRED. Yes, I feel tired of fighting “alone”. None of my family nor my friends are really convinced to protect the environment. No no no, it is too late to “protect”, now it should be time to safeguard the remains. I always thought that once I started, I would be an example and then, wise people would follow me; but in fact, none did.
ariniaina
Every morning, on my way to work, I pass by a little Mofogasy shop in my neighborhood. And everyday, I can notice a lot of people surrounding the shop waiting for their turn. Many of them are workers taking their breakfast before going to their office. Why do they take their breakfast at Ragilady’s (the name of the shop)?
One morning, I stopped at the shop and talked to some regular customers and here are their answers.
Solofo said: “I am always in a hurry in the morning so I cannot prepare my breakfast.”
Aline said:” My husband and my children enjoy Ragilady’s mofogasy so now the whole family have some for breakfast every morning.”
Fetra said: “I do not like my Mum’s coffee so I prefer to come here. lol ”
Ticia said: “ I have tried mofogasy from different sellers, but Ragilady’s are different. The mofo are tasty here and the owner of the shop is really nice to people.”
On that morning, I decided to buy some and brought them to my office. I regret because now, all of my colleagues want me to buy mofogasy from Ragilady’s everyday. J
If you plan to ask the menu, they do not have it. You can read what they have on a little board hanged up on the wall:
Kafe tsotra 100Ar* (Coffee)
Kafe sy ronono 150 Ar(Coffee + milk)
Dite tsotra 60 Ar (Tea)
Dite sy ronono 100 Ar (Tea + milk)
Mofo gasy 70 Ar (Malagasy flitter)
Ramanonaka 70 Ar (Malagasy flitter)
Menakely 100 Ar (Malagasy flitter)
Ramanonaka 100 Ar (Malagasy flitter)
It is not a restaurant nor a snack, the Mofogasy shop is a little house where you stand outside to buy and to eat your mofo (flitter or bread) and drink your coffee or tea.
If one day, you pass by Analamahitsy (my neighborhood), try the mofogasy at Ragilady’s. Be aware, you may become addicted to them. J
ariniaina
* Kaly is a slang used for Sakafo which means food.
* Maraina means morning.
* Ariary (Ar) is the currency of Madagascar.
Le hip hop et le punk sont oubliés. Place maintenant au “Tecktonik”. Et oui, nos jeunes Malgaches, toujours partants pour de nouvelles tendances, ont adopté ce nouveau style d’origine française.
Le Tecktonik n’est pas seulement une danse mais tout une nouvelle personnalité que ces jeunes ont très vite apprise (ou plutôt copiée). Dans les rues, dans les boites, même dans les pubs à la télé, Tecktonik est là (sans oublier les sonneries de téléphones).
Le Tecktonik, qui a débuté par une mode vestimentaire créée par Cyril Blanc et Alexandre Barouzdin, est maintenant une musique (électro dance), une danse (avec beaucoup de jeux de jambes et de bras), une coiffure (rebelle et excentrique), un maquillage (je dirai, exagéré), et bien sûr, une tenue (serrant le corps, avec un fond noir et des motifs à couleurs très vives, sans oublier les accessoires bracelets…). Le Tecktonik est rapidement répandu dans le monde entier. Et Madagascar a également reçu ce nouveau vent.
Si je peux me permettre, le Tecktonik n’est pas une chose nouvelle. Voyez par vous même, c’est un peu un mélange de techno et de punk. Enfin, les jeunes l’apprécient beaucoup. Et je parierai que bientôt, un nouveau style apparaîtra et Tecktnik rejoindra le rang des hip hop et du punk. En attendant, je ferai mieux d’apprendre le Tecktonik aussi pour ne pas être dépassée par l’âge.
ariniaina
Everyday, millions of people use the street.
Early in the morning, you can see people jogging (Run Forrest, run…). Some of them are athletes. Many are students who are preparing their sports exam at the end of the school year. At the same time you can find other kinds of people. They are wrapped up in their blankets or they are pushing a cart full of vegetables
that they are going to sell later at the market.
You can see the farmers displaying their products on the ground. Women (and why not men) will be glad to buy them because they are new, fresh and cheap.
A few minutes before 8.00 a.m., the streets become crowded. Adults are going to work. Kids are going to school. Those who live near their office or their school travel by foot. Those who do not take either a bus or a cab (taxi) and the others are either in their cars or on their bikes or motorcycles. You can already feel the start of traffic jams.
If you are on vacation, you are lucky. You can go downtown and go window-shopping or if you can afford it you buy interesting clothes or tools you see in those nice shops all the along the streets.
Suddenly, you notice lots of people making a circle. You think there must be an accident. You come nearer to se what’s going on. In the middle of the circle, there is a man almost nude (he is wearing only a little pair of shorts). He marks out lots of lines or drawings on the ground. He tells something about life, the future or the meaning of dreams. He must be a fortune teller. Sometimes you can see people from different churches preaching the Gospel.
You are downtown. You are in a hurry; you need a restroom. Some people (especially men) are used to do their needs on the corner of the streets (“Shame!”). If you can just hold your horses for a little while, maybe you can make it in time to the public restroom where you pay only Ar20 to rent a toilet.
You are hungry or thirsty and decide that you need some food. After eating your biscuits and yoghurt; please do not throw your trash all around the sidewalk. Do not forget the streets are ours. If we do not keep them clean, we are all not clean. Okay, there are not many garbage cans around but you can keep a little plastic bag in your bag to put your trash in and throw it away once you arrive at home.
At noon, it’s not possible for some people to enjoy a nice lunch at home. They do not have enough time because of their activities. But they can go to the restaurants or buy food on the corner of the street where some sellers put pots on a table and propose different meals. Unfortunately for the latter, the customer will have to stand to finish their plate. People say that the food at these stands is cheap and tasty. (I do not know about their hygiene).
Nowadays, there are so many car-foods everywhere, so you can also buy you meals there – they look healthier than the previous choice.
In the evening, the buses are always crowded. If you decide to walk on foot for a while; you can pass by sellers all along the sidewalks. I am amazed to see all the products they are trying to sell. You can find so many different things (clothes, bags, shoes, plates, vegetables, fruits, brushing…). You should admit that these street sellers are helpful when you need to do your shopping. Do not say that to the “Fivondronana”. They do not share the same opinion. Anyway the “Fivondronana” may be right. These sellers should pay taxes and should not block the sidewalks.
When the sun goes down, most of the people have already arrived at their homes and are preparing diner, watching TV or sleeping. Homeless people put up their little plastic or cardboard homes on the sidewalks, under bridges and verandas. They are preparing the night there. Some drunken men have no more strength to reach home, fall down and sleep on the sidewalk too. Burglars are preparing their attacks. Witches are dancing nude near tombs. From my bed, I can hear cars speeding down the streets. Young people are having wild car races.
We may not have thought about it but a lot of things happen all along the street.
ariniaina
Starting late, finishing early, and making a lot of money. Combining those 3 factors forms our ideal motivation to work. Unfortunately, I don’t believe it will ever happen (Maybe for only a few lucky people).
I can admit that I’m not satisfied with my job.
At the end of the day I always feel too tired. Needless to say, it’s caused by colleagues who don’t do their part of the job well or because of the boss who chooses to say hurtful words just in order to remind you of who s/he is.
It becomes harder and harder to get up in the morning and do the same usual stuff. But guess what? I always feel happy when Friday arrives (T.G.I.F. Thanks God It’s Friday) and to know that I will be free for 2 (really short) days.
I’m not married. Yet, I calculate all the expenses I make and discover that I can’t save much (close to nothing) at the end of the month. (I must find a rich husband if I plan to get a cute villa and a nice car ). F.S. (Frankly Speaking), I sympathize with those people who find life extremely hard.
Therefore, since it is hard nowadays to get a job, trying to find good reasons to keep a job and to fulfill your tasks are better solutions than quitting.
Young people just receiving their diplomas are numerous. They accept to work for a low salary because they know they don’t have experience. They are more dynamic than we (experience workers) are and they have a better chance of getting the position we deserve. So giving up is not a great solution.
In this article, I will share with you some motivational tips for work. I’ve gathered them from my family (who encourages me every day), some friends and from a teacher. They worked for me and hope they will help you too.
1- First of all, you have to learn to love your job. Most of the time, we don’t get our dream jobs and say things like: “I never thought I would be a taxi driver, a banker, or a journalist…”. But we should consider all the little features that make our jobs interesting. For example, I like the mood at my office because most of my colleagues are the same age as me and that creates a great atmosphere.
2- Arrange your office the way you like it so you can get familiar with the place you will be working in 5 days a week; then you can feel at ease. You can bring your own pens, you can place a picture of your family on your desk, you can have a proverb on the wall, or why not some nice flowers. Those are just examples. But try to ask your supervisor or boss before doing so in case it is forbidden by your internal rules.
3- Stop thinking of your work once you’re out of your office. Don’t talk about it. You already spend about 40 hours a week dedicated to your job; it is fair to think about other things that also concern your life. When you don’t work, take time to smell the coffee. Go and have fun with some friends. Share moments with your family.
4- Nobody is perfect and we can make mistakes. Learn from your mistakes. It is not the end of the word. Do your best to avoid repeating them again.
5- Challenge yourself and try to break your own record. Don’t wait for the boss to look at you. Do it for yourself. Don’t even look at the other colleagues. It will always help you sooner or later.
6- Reward yourself when you’ve reached great goals. Buy something you like. This is the gift of working people. You deserve it. You worked for it.
7- Think of those people who are jobless; be happy because you are working. Be happy that because of your job you have a home, you can buy food every day, and you can buy new clothes from time to time. Be happy with every little thing you have earned out of your pocket.
Good luck folks.
ariniaina
Last Monday, I visited the “Atelier Saturne” at Tsiazotafo. Mihary, a responsible of the atelier, kindly accepted to talk about the product they sell: “Mampiada-maso” (eyes comfort).
“Mampiada-maso” is the name of television aerial Made In Madagascar. All the raw materials for this antenna are found and produced in Madagascar. Its inventor and manufacturer is Malagasy. Mampiada-maso is a 100% Malagasy product.
The prototype of this Malagasy antenna was created in 1997 by a
certain Veterinarian called Ravalomanana (We talk here about another person than the President). Fed up of the bad image intercepted by his TV set and not satisfied with all the antennas he already bought, he decided to fix his own. And it was a real success.
His friends and some of his family members were impressed and were under the spell because of the good interception of this marvel. One by one, these people begged Ravalomanana for fixing the same pattern for them.
By word of mouth, other people heard about this special TV aerial and wanted it too. So starting from 2000-2001, Atelier Saturne produced the Mampiada-maso antennas and started to market them.
The quality of the image interception of this antenna is exceptionally great (I can assure it because I already bought one). And you can get one only for Ar5, 000. [It is very cheap in comparison with the price of imported antennas for the same result -or let us even say a better result]
80% of the customers were all satisfied of the result. Only a few
people complained. But Mihary stressed on the fact that, in order to get the wished interception, make sure that you use a new cable (of 75ohm).
To fix this antenna is very easy. However, if you feel that you need
help, someone from the atelier will come to your place and will do it for you.
Many Malagasy people and some foreigners are interested in this
antenna. The atelier of Mihary can sell up to 80 samples a week. This number increases during big events (World Cup, Pazzapa, Euro…)
Please, watch out, some “pirates” are trying to sell fake copies of
Mampiada-maso. You better buy your antenna only at the shops approved by the Atelier Saturne of Ivato and Tsiazotafo such us Espatel IMM in 67Ha, Atelier Neptune at Soarano and ANTEL at Sabotsy Namehana. Some shops also sell it in the provinces.
You did not get your Mampiada-maso antenna yet? Run to the Atelier Saturne at Tsiazotafo, a young and very nice guy will be pleased to receive you. And you know what? This article is not an add.
I’m used to go to my bank and exchange 1 banknote of Ar 10,000 into 100 new banknotes of Ar 100. I bought a money purse and in it I arrange all of my money (I’m not rich so I don’t have much) so that they don’t get wrinkled.
When I have to pay the bus fare, buy tissue or some other small items, I use those very nice banknotes of Ar 100. And I always notice the different reactions from people who receive the money from me.
The grocers are the most amazed when I give them the clean and new money. Some of them even ask me why I don’t keep those new banknotes or if I am sure I want to buy things with them. Almost all those grocers admit that they will keep and arrange those new banknotes preciously and won’t use them (unless they have no choice and then will give them as change to their customers).
In buses, when I take the amount of the fare out of my money purse and I’m prepared to give it to the conductor, the people sitting next to me ask me to give them the new banknotes and they pay my fare with some old banknotes they have with them. But if no one sits next to me the conductors will be luckier and receive them. But most of the time I feel disappointed or even more, angry when those conductors take the new banknotes and do not hesitate one second before folding them.
All of this shows that we don’t respect our money. For some selfish people new banknotes shouldn’t be used. They want to keep them for themselves. For other people, money is money; they don’t care if it’s a new or an ugly old banknote.
A friend of mine went on vacation in a province of Madagascar (I can’t remember the exact place, sorry); she told me she couldn’t use the old banknotes she had on her. No sellers or “posiposy” drivers wanted them. They explained that it’s their way to teach people to care more about the money.
That is good example all of us should follow. Okay, I’ll have to admit that the paper used to make our banknotes is not so good. But we shouldn’t try to find someone to blame it on. We should find other solutions. I thought deeply about all of this and this is what I believe would be the good solution. Grocers, conductors, and any other sellers should refuse to take all the dirty and torn old banknotes. But people have to buy their food, have to take a bus… then they will be obliged to take care of the banknotes they have if they want to buy things. And also in return they wouldn’t accept to take a rotten banknote.
It doesn’t seem so difficult to do, right? I just don’t know who would start (me, maybe you).
By the way, I like the “Ariary”. I’m glad we, Malagasy people, have our own money.
ariniaina
Hi
My name is ariniaina. I am very happy to be here.
I am from Madagascar (so I am Malagasy).
I love playing the role of journalist and this blog is a great opportunity for me to talk about my lovely country.
I hope you will like it.
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