To give you a different perspective of where we’re working in the Mikea Forest, here is a Google Earth satellite image of the village of Anjabetrongo – where Jonoro and Hanitra live and where we have created a base with a school, church, and clinic.
Ancient Path board member and techno-wizard Gary Holsopple traveled there a couple of years back and wandered around the perimeters of the village with a GPS unit to establish the coordinates. Since this image is from 2003, the airstrip and the various structures we’ve built are not yet visible.
Here’s a zoomed out shot. The little yellow pin in the middle is Anjabetrongo. The encampment where we visit Mikea chief Fandahara and his family is a half-day’s journey by oxcart moving NE.
This definitely gives a good idea of the remoteness of this place where we have been sent to work. But when we look into the eyes of the people who live in this harsh and unforgiving environment, it is definitely worth the trip.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. We’re not experts, we’re just ordinary people going to a remote area that receives little help. In partnership with local Malagasy leaders, we’ve started both a church and a school and a small clinic. We’ve also helped the Mikea tribe in the forest fight against the slash and burn farming that threatens their habitat and way of life. We certainly consult with experts, and make sure to cooperate with the right organizations within Madagascar. Anyway, thanks for your encouragement! If you’d like to see the faces of the schoolchildren in this remote place – you can go to http://ancientpath.dev/?p=1094