FAZASOMA
Ambositra, Fianarantsoa region, Madagascar
DESCRIPTION
SUPPORT OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
The purpose of the project is to support children’s education in the Ambositra region by financing school canteens which improve – and sometimes determine – school attendance.
Since its creation in 1999, the mission of Fazasoma France hasbeen to support the most vulnerable people in the province ofFianarantsoa by managing shelters/homes, financing school canteens and providing school supplies, as well as developing income-generating activities.
The current situation in Madagascar is dramatic: 5th poorest country in the world, facing the loss of all tourism resources due to the Covid 19 crisis, and the surge of a dengue epidemy in addition to the spread of Covid 19. The already very vulnerable population is facing a major crisis and needs basic support.
IMPACT / MAIN INDICATORS
• Over 1,000 children in 10 schools served meals in school canteens.
LOCAL
PARTNER
Fazasoma
Selection
Duration
Project selected in September 2017
Multi-year project: 9 years
Financed
by
The Comgest Foundation
COMMENT FROM THE AMBASSADOR
Didier Darré
Despite the local situation, marked by a recent coup d’état that made our December 2025 trip impossible for security reasons, we remain in constant and unwavering contact with our representatives on the ground.
FA.ZA.SO.MA.’s work continues with renewed determination. The core of our project remains our long-standing programmes: school canteens for children and the Zafimaniri community, as well as vital assistance for minors and women incarcerated in Ambositra and Antananarivo.
The DEBOUT Centre
At the heart of our work in Ilaka Centre is the Mitsangana Centre (which means “Stand Up”), run by an independent, secular local organisation. This project embodies our philosophy: “It is better to teach someone to fish than to give them fish every day.”
* Independence and autonomy: Thanks to funding from FA.ZA.SO.MA., the centre was able to acquire its own land and construct the buildings necessary for its operations. We are actively working to strengthen its financial independence so that it can eventually become fully self-sufficient.
* Social connections for women: The Zarasoa centre, located in Mitsangana, provides a vital space for the women of the village to improve their social conditions and organise collectively.
* Community harmony: We ensure that the centre remains fully integrated into village life, avoiding any imbalance in the assistance provided and fostering a spirit of solidarity for the entire community.
ELENA Music School
The music school, located in Ambositra and named in memory of Elena, continues to operate successfully. Supported by Radio Maria Madagascar and funded by charity concerts (such as the one in Châtel-Guyon last year), it offers children valuable access to culture and artistic expression, thereby fostering their personal development beyond basic health and nutritional needs.
For 2026, in addition to our regular activities, our priorities will be:
* Art sale: Mark your calendars now for our next charity sale on 13 and 14 December 2026 at the Ollivier Waltman Gallery. This event is crucial, as it accounts for a quarter of the association’s annual budget.
* Aikido workshop at Aïkido Clermontois to benefit FA.ZA.SO.MA.
* Health and infrastructure: Following the renovation of the Ilaka Hospital roof, we are currently exploring a second phase of work for this facility.