On November 30, 2024, Manakara, the capital of the Fitovinany region, was the site of a dynamic celebration: the International Volunteer Day and the National Volunteer Day, organized by the Regional Directorate of Communication and Culture. Under the inspiring theme "Hiara hientana isika ho an'ny fiaraha-monina amin'ny alalan'ny firotsahana an-tsitrapo" ("Let's act together through volunteering for our community"), this event honored volunteer commitment and collective efforts for a change in the behavior of communities.
A day full of activities
The celebration was marked by a series of dynamic activities that energized the event. A colourful carnival to open the festivities, followed by cultural activities that also highlighted the richness of the region's culture. A workshop called "APART" was also organized to discuss water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) issues in the region. The ambitious objective of this workshop was to identify barriers to awareness raising and encourage real behaviour change to improve the quality of life in communities.
An Active Partner for Change
The Madagascar Soap Project (MSP) was honoured to participate in this event as a partner in WASH. In order to fulfill its mission on hygiene promotion and empower local communities, MSP has provided training in artisanal soap making. This session, aimed at the 200 volunteers in attendance, imparted practical skills that not only address hygiene needs, but also provide an opportunity to generate additional income.
The participants welcomed this training with enthusiasm. Some expressed gratitude to MSP for sharing know-how that could transform their daily lives. "This is our first training, it will be able to offer us new opportunities," said one of the participants.
Volunteering: A Strength for the Community
We believe that volunteering is a powerful driver of change. Our teams, made up of passionate and dedicated volunteers, work every day to improve the living conditions of Malagasy communities. Under this year's theme, "Let's act together by volunteering for our community", we witnessed the impact that collective actions can have on society because each volunteer present that day embodied the spirit of solidarity and dedication that drives our mission.
A Call to Action
International Volunteer Day reminds us of the importance of investing in the common good. Whether it's simple gestures or large-scale actions, every contribution counts. MSP remains committed to continuing its work alongside volunteers, organizations and communities, to build a better and more equitable future.
If you would like to join our mission or learn more about our initiatives, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and make Madagascar an example of solidarity and sustainable development.
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