President Pirc Musar inaugurated a school built with Slovenia’s support in Madagascar
Inauguration of the school in Madagascar, built with Slovenia’s support | Author Boštjan Podlogar/STA
Slovenia supported this project as part of the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Caritas Slovenia, in cooperation with a local association Akamasoa, led by missionary Pedro Opeka.
At the inauguration, President Pirc Musar thanked all partners, particularly the Slovenian-born missionary Pedro Opeka, for his dedicated work for the community and for setting an example of what courage, compassion and trust in humanity can achieve. She emphasised that the support for the Akamasoa community is an important example of a sustainable approach to improving living standards in partner countries. She announced that efforts will be made to continue the excellent cooperation in the future. “Slovenia will continue its commitment to projects that improve the dignity, education and health of the most vulnerable people. I am very pleased that we have built a school that will give children a better future and that we are building bridges of solidarity, expertise and compassion with our partners.”
The primary school with 11 classrooms, sanitary facilities and a school kitchen will provide around 550 children aged 6 to 11 with a quality education. The school was built within a year. As part of the project, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia provided school meals for more than 5300 Madagascan children for three months.
The President symbolically handed over to the Akamasoa community the aid gathered during the “Slovenia for Madagascar” humanitarian campaign, carried out at the initiative of the Alma Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Caritas Slovenia. The campaign was supported by thirty-six enterprises, several individuals, sports organisations and others. The Ministry funded the purchase of construction and joinery tools, farming equipment, school supplies, sports equipment, sanitary ware and medical equipment, including obstetric tables.
During the President’s visit to Madagascar, drones created by ElevonX, a Slovenian company, were presented for use in humanitarian operations. The drones are used by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to deliver medicines to Madagascar’s regions that are difficult to access, an effort supported by Slovenia.