1924-2024: The YMCA has been working with and for young people in Madagascar for 100 years. On February 17, 2024, staff, members, the national office and all the young people gathered in Carion to celebrate the centenary of YMCA Madagascar.
- About YMCA Madagascar
YMCA Madagascar is an association focused on youth development and empowerment. Our intervention policy towards young people consists of educating them and instilling in them a spirit of leadership for positive behavioral transformation. We support them in their personal and professional development and, above all, in their civic participation within the community.
YMCA Madagascar is committed to empowering young people to achieve economic independence.
Vision: Our vision, shared with the African Alliance of YMCAs and its constituent members, is to :
“Empowering young people for the African Renaissance”
Values: Our values represent the fundamental principles that guide the actions of our organization, unite our collaborator and define our identity:
- Commitment to young people: We see young people as the key drivers of change, and we are committed to supporting them fully.
- Integrity: Doing the right thing on the basis of sound moral principles, without exception.
- Fihavanana :Solving problems by applying the traditional Malagasy principle of mutual aid and solidarity.
- Mutual responsibility: We strive to assume our responsibilities and encourage young people to do the same.
- Openness and tolerance: Include everyone, welcoming diversity of beliefs and ethnic origins.
- Africanness: Africanity is our pride and we will act at all times to strengthen our identity.
2. History
In 1912, two young Malagasy students in London planned to found the first YMCA in Antananarivo, but failed to obtain authorization. It wasn’t until 1924 that a young French missionary named Jean Beigbeder founded the Madagascar YMCA, which later joined the African Alliance of YMCAs in 2003. In 2007, it joined the World Alliance of YMCAs. A Christian and apolitical youth movement, YMCA Madagascar is recognized as an educational organization for development by the Ministry of Population. YMCA Madagascar is a Christian, ecumenical, apolitical and voluntary youth movement governed by Law 60-133 of October 03, 1960.
3. Celebrating the 100th anniversary
“A century of commitment, a century of leadership for a better future”, is the slogan for YMCA Madagascar’s 100th anniversary celebrations. Indeed, it’s been a century since YMCA made a commitment to young people, empowering them to create and realize a better future for their generation.
The celebration was marked by a carnival in the rural commune of Carion, the first local branch to welcome YMCA; followed by a reforestation and finally the presentation of certificates to 118 club leaders and board members for the year 2023.
450 seedlings made up of fruit trees and saplings were planted on the grounds of the YMCA Carion .
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