The Sunrise Centre is a first-of-its-kind school in Nosy Be for children with physical and intellectual disabilities, and it relies entirely on donations. Each morning, Tsai was greeted with "good morning" in Malagasy on her tuk-tuk ride in.
Stephanie Ellis, a U of T occupational therapy alum, has volunteered with the school since its founding about four years ago and helped set up the placements, coordinated by Professor Andrea Duncan's international fieldwork program. OT students on the placement helped teachers put donated equipment to use for students with cerebral palsy.
Published last year, the book sends 100 per cent of its proceeds to the Sunrise Centre. Tsai has stayed in touch with the school's founder, Nathan, since her placement ended.
Reported from Alum Kristen Tsai writes children's book inspired by placement in Madagascar, by Rachel LeBeau (U of T Alumni News, July 21, 2026).
More from the original reporting: alumni.utoronto.ca/news/alum-kristen-tsai-writes-childrens-book-inspired-placement-madagascar