PROJET HOAVY
Projet Hoavy
Last updated on July 19, 2024
Mizarasoa: A surge of solidarity to educate and nourish hope in Madagascar
Birth of a vision: From gratitude to collective action in Switzerland and Madagascar


Birth of a vision: From gratitude to collective action in Switzerland and Madagascar
Landy and Tiavina Niaritsiry, originally from Madagascar and now residing in Switzerland with the support of their relatives, founded the Mizarasoa Association to spread joy and help children in the poor neighborhoods of Antananarivo. Their mission is to facilitate access to education, health, and food for these children. They also support community projects, such as the installation of a water pump for 235 families. The Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation, recognizing the importance of this mission, supports the association by expanding its educational programs and creating a craft workshop for the professional integration of young people. Elisabeth Dufour has personally supported Mizarasoa for over 15 years through her association OMCM, sponsoring several children.
Turning water into a source of Life: The "Pump Project" that revitalizes communities
The association is also committed to supporting transformative community projects, such as the initiative of a "pump project" that has changed the lives of 235 families by providing them with access to clean drinking water, demonstrating the profound impact of their commitment on the well-being of Malagasy communities.
The commitment of the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation: Broadening the horizons of young malagasy
The Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation recognizes the vital importance of its mission and is committed to supporting the Mizarasoa Association in its expansion. Their support aims to integrate a greater number of children and adolescents into educational programs, thereby creating enriching learning opportunities. Moreover, the establishment of a craft workshop offers young people essential practical training for successful professional integration. These joint initiatives reflect a dynamic and humanistic approach, centered on empowerment and the spread of happiness. Elisabeth Dufour, the president, has personally supported the Mizarasoa association for over 15 years through her OMCM association, having personally sponsored about ten children.
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Our Humanitarian Journey to Madagascar
Our Humanitarian Journey to Madagascar
Chronicle of Seven Days of Commitment and Hope
Introduction
Our humanitarian mission to Madagascar, led by myself, Élisabeth Dufour, co-founder and president of the Philippe & Élisabeth Dufour Foundation, and Maricela Lancoud, vice-president of the foundation, accompanied by Mr. Tiavina, president of the Mizarazoa association and a resident of the valley, began in the calm of the Vallée de Joux at 3 a.m. Between excitement and nervousness, we headed to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport before flying to Antananarivo. Arriving at 11 p.m., tired but driven by our mission, we were ready to face the challenges and offer our support.
Day 1: Local Immersion
Our first day was a poignant immersion into the daily lives of the most vulnerable. We discovered with deep emotion the reality of the washerwomen, a profession thought to have disappeared, and shared unforgettable moments with the children, the first victims of this poverty. Before parting ways, we chanted together 'HOAVY, HOAVY, HOAVY,' meaning 'future' in Malagasy, a symbol of our humanitarian mission.
Day 2: Meeting with Mizarazoa Association
On the second day, we met with the Mizarazoa association, which I have been sponsoring for nearly 15 years. The celebration held in our honor and the radiant smiles of the children and volunteers reflected the generosity and resilience of this community. This meeting renewed our commitment to their efforts in promoting health, education, and the well-being of street children.
Day 3: Visit to the Vocational and Arts School of the Gazela Association
The visit to the Vocational and Arts School, in collaboration with Mizarazoa, was a source of inspiration. This space gives children the opportunity to pursue their dreams, whether artistic or professional, through structured and caring support.
Day 4: Gift Giving and Closing Celebration
The distribution of gifts to the children of Mizarazoa was a moment of rare intensity. The bursts of laughter and the joy in their eyes left a deep mark on our hearts. The closing celebration strengthened our commitment to these initiatives, while we were already envisioning future opportunities to support these projects.
Day 5: Exploration of Impoverished Areas
This day was the most challenging. Visiting a market of misery confronted us with the extreme poverty and inhumane living conditions of many families. We spoke with locals, listening to their stories of survival and witnessing the remarkable solidarity that emerges despite their deprivation. This experience strengthened our determination to act with urgency.
Day 6: In Search of New Opportunities for Shelter
The sixth day was dedicated to exploring new opportunities to improve the care provided to children. We visited several sites that could meet the growing needs of the community. Among them were places that could be renovated or expanded, as well as land with the potential for building a new home. The goal is to create a space capable of accommodating more children while offering suitable infrastructure for their well-being and development, including the integration of craft workshops.
Day 7: Assessment and Perspectives for a Better Future
On this final day in the field, we continued our visits with a particular focus on identifying an optimal site. We assessed locations with strong potential to meet the children's needs while considering their future development. Whether through renovation, expansion, or construction on new land, these options offer promising prospects for improving the care and living conditions of the children.
These explorations will require an in-depth study to determine feasibility and priorities in the short and medium term. However, they pave the way for ambitious initiatives to strengthen the impact of our mission and offer a better future to the children of Madagascar.
Conclusion
This mission to Madagascar will remain etched in our memories as both a deeply moving and profoundly inspiring experience. We witnessed the harsh realities of life for so many children and families, but also their resilience, their hope, and their faith in a better future. These encounters reminded us that every action counts, that no gesture is too small when it comes to restoring dignity and offering opportunities to those who need them most.
While exploring places to welcome more children, whether by renovating an existing home or building a new shelter, we glimpsed the possibility of creating lasting change in their lives. These projects are not merely infrastructures; they embody a tangible hope for children who, without them, would remain deprived of support, education, and a stable environment in which to grow.
As we leave Madagascar, we return with renewed determination: to mobilize all our efforts to turn these promises into reality. The future begins here, with these children. And through solidarity, collective efforts, and sincere commitment, we believe that together, we can build a future where no child is left behind.
Elisabeth Dufour, President of the Foundation
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A DECISIVE STEP