Meet Our ALUMNI
The Alumni of YMCA Madagascar are young leaders who have driven our movement by guiding activities with commitment, creativity, and a spirit of service. Today, they continue their journeys in various fields, while their contributions continue to inspire and shape our community. Today, we want them to know that they remain in our hearts and have not been forgotten.
Willy Dreyer, a volunteer from the Peace Corps, worked with us at YMCA Madagascar from 2016 to 2017 alongside his wife, Angela Raharinirina Dreyer. Together, they led various youth activities, including teaching English through the English Club, providing leadership training, and facilitating other programs within our Youth Power Space.
Willy Dreyer
Volunteer from Peace Corps
Hannah Pearl volunteered with YMCA Madagascar, particularly at YMCA Carion, from 2018 to 2020. During this period, she trained our youth in various farming techniques, including different cultivation methods and composting. She also taught English and introduced several recycling initiatives, such as transforming waste tires into garden decorations and reusing bottles for cultivation purposes. Beyond internal activities, Hannah collaborated with local farmers by providing training and fostering cultural exchange. She also embraced Malagasy traditions by participating in cultural events such as Famadihana, funerals, engagements, and circumcision ceremonies. In partnership with YAC, Zoky Dirk from Association TAHO, and Charelle from YMCA Cameroon, Hannah contributed to the creation of a playground space for children at YMCA Carion.
Hannah Pearl
Volunteer from Peace Corps
Professor Robert Emigh, an American English Language Fellow at the University of Antananarivo and an ESL Professor, first joined YMCA Madagascar in 2023 with his wife, Dr. Joan Hendricks, who is from Jamaica. Together, they led a cultural exchange session, sharing American and Jamaican traditions while discovering and engaging with Malagasy culture. In 2024, they returned to take part in the “Speech Contest” organized by the Y-English Club, serving as members of the jury. Following the contest, they joined the English Coffee Time, engaging in meaningful conversations , a moment that deepened cultural understanding, strengthened connections, and expanded networking opportunities.
Pr. Robert Emigh
English Language Fellow_University of Antananarivo
ESL Professor
Anton Andersen is from Sweden. He volunteered at YMCA Madagascar for six months in 2024. He led a session and worked as a facilitator for the Y-English Club, assisting with planning and activities. He dived deep into the fascinating exchange between his own culture and Malagasy traditions. Spending time with Zoky Anton Andersen and sharing these cultural experiences made the time truly memorable and full of discovery.
Anton Andersen
From Swede
Géraldine Konrad-Maier is a member of the Change Agents Cohort V. During her visit to Madagascar in 2024, she and her husband Thomas had the opportunity to engage with and lead an intercultural session with young members of YMCA Tuléar and YMCA Ankerana, sharing Swiss and Malagasy traditions and cultures. This exchange strengthened intercultural bonds and enriched the participants’ experience through enjoyable activities and the sharing of specialties such as music, traditional dishes from both countries, dance, and more. Before leaving Madagascar, they generously provided financial support to one of our clubs, the Y-Music Club, for its anniversary celebration, as well as for the organization of the 2024 end-of-year party for YMCA Madagascar, greatly contributing to the success of these events.
Geraldine Konrad-Maier
Change Agent Cohort-V _ YMCA Switzerland
