"To Help is to Beautify Our Spiritual Essence"

PROJET HOAVY

Madagascar

Last updated on July 19, 2024

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

The First Five Days

Introduction

Our humanitarian scouting mission to Madagascar, led by myself, Elisabeth Dufour, president of the Philippe & Elisabeth Dufour Foundation, and Maricela Lancoud, vice-president of the foundation, began at 3 AM in the peaceful Vallée de Joux in Switzerland. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, we headed to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, aware of the challenging realities we were about to face. After a long flight, we landed in Antananarivo at 11 PM, exhausted but eager to start our mission.

Day 1: Local Immersion

Our first day was dedicated to immersing ourselves in the daily lives of the most destitute, with a particular focus on children, the first victims of this poverty. We also visited the laundresses at their places of work, a profession believed to have vanished but which persists in many poor countries. The interaction was direct, warm, and sincere. Before parting, we all chanted enthusiastically together "HOAVY, HOAVY, HOAVY," the name of our humanitarian action in this country, meaning "future" in Malagasy.

This initial scouting aimed to assess the situation and identify the most urgent needs. This direct contact with the local reality was striking, underscoring the crucial importance

Day 2: Meeting with Mizarazoa Association

On the second day, we met with the Mizarazoa Association, dedicated to the welfare, education, and health of street children. I have been sponsoring this association for about 15 years. The warmth of the welcome, the smiles, and the hugs from the children and volunteers were moments of intense emotion. The party organized in our honor showcased their generosity and community spirit, moments that will remain etched in our hearts.

Day 3: Visit to the School of Crafts and Art of the Gazela Association

We visited the School of Crafts and Art of the Gazela Association, in collaboration with Mizarazoa. Seeing how this association helps children pursue their dreams, whether artistic or professional, was truly inspiring. The joint efforts of these associations create hopeful prospects for these young people.

Day 4: Gift Giving and Closing Celebration

The gift giving to the children of Mizarazoa was a magical moment. The bursts of laughter and bright, joyful eyes strengthened our determination. A touching celebration marked the end of our stay, solidifying our commitment to supporting these incredible initiatives. The Philippe & Elisabeth Dufour Foundation will soon meet to evaluate the projects presented by the two associations and consider their future support.

Day 5: Exploration of Impoverished Areas

The fifth day was marked by a harrowing visit to a poverty-stricken market in a part of the city where the level of hardship is beyond comprehension. We were struck by the extreme poverty and inhumane living conditions of the families, including young children, who struggle to survive by selling items recovered from dumps to buy food for a meal, often the only one of the day.

We spoke with several residents to better understand their daily challenges. Their survival stories, community initiatives despite the lack of resources, and the solidarity among the inhabitants deeply moved us. This experience reinforced our conviction of the urgency and importance of our mission.

In conclusion of this heart-wrenching visit, we returned with a renewed sense of urgency and determination. Our mission in Madagascar is nearing its end, and we are resolved to mobilize all necessary resources to bring about positive and lasting changes.

Elisabeth Dufour, President of the Foundation

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