Action Solidarité Madagascar

30 Years of Volunteer-Led Solidarity Initiatives

Since 1995, Action Solidarité Madagascar, a partnership between Groupama and Générations Mouvement (formerly Aînés Ruraux), has been supporting local communities in Madagascar through projects focused on education, vocational training, healthcare, and the environment.

Key figures:

  • More than 30 local projects supported by 20 associations, representing 65 French departments
  • 30,000 boxes of Abbaye biscuits sold each year
  • 1 to 2 shipping containers sent annually
  • €3 million raised since the association was founded, funding the construction of schools, school tuition fees, agricultural training programs, healthcare centers, and numerous projects benefiting underprivileged communities

For more information, visit the association’s website Action Solidarité Madagascar

Through fundraising activities – during events or through biscuit sales-and equipment donation drives, volunteers from partner associations finance, implement, and support initiatives developed in consultation with local communities and based on their needs.

These initiatives include:

  • Sending equipment and supplies, including educational materials (books, notebooks, school supplies, etc.), medical and paramedical equipment, agricultural and craft tools, and everyday items (bicycles, sewing machines, etc.), notably through the shipment of containers from France.
  • Designing, implementing, and monitoring development projects, such as the construction of schools, educational support programs (including the payment of school fees), the provision of school equipment for primary and secondary schools and technical colleges, as well as healthcare projects including the creation of health centers, a nursing school, and the renovation of sanitation facilities.
  • Providing local technical and agricultural support, through training farms, plantations, product processing initiatives, improvements in forage crops and livestock farming, cheese production, and the development of food crops, including rice cultivation.
  • Promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise, particularly in the field of agricultural vocational training.

The objective is to ensure that all initiatives are sustainable over the long term. Volunteers regularly visit project sites to verify the use of funds and support the continued development of projects.

The governance model is built on the partnership between Groupama and Générations Mouvement, bringing together:

  • 20 local associations, alongside the France Vozama association, representing a network of 21 associations across French regions and departments that support projects benefiting underprivileged communities.
  • One national public-interest association, responsible for coordinating, promoting, and supporting initiatives, as well as establishing partnerships.
  • One code of conduct, applicable to all stakeholders involved in the engagement.

Local associations work closely with committed and determined individuals who strive to advance the development of their communities. Projects are identified and led by the Malagasy people themselves, based on their own needs and priorities. Our role is to provide financial, logistical, and human support, ensuring that local initiatives can be successfully implemented and sustained.

Key Strategic Priorities

  • Assess the impact of support provided each year and, where necessary, consider adjustments or adaptations to ensure that initiatives remain fully aligned with local needs.
  • Expand support structures in the most disadvantaged regions to reach communities with the greatest needs.
  • Ensure the long-term sustainability of projects by fostering local ownership and promoting greater autonomy.
  • Develop a long-term vision of local needs, particularly through the work and coordination of the national association.
  • Strengthen teacher training initiatives and further integrate environmental considerations into projects, particularly through reforestation efforts.