From July 16 to 18, 2025, YMCA Madagascar had the honor of welcoming two representatives from the Africa Alliance of YMCAs (AAY):
Ms. Nirina Rakotomalala, General Secretary
Mr. Osborne Wanyama, Organizational Development Lead
Their visit was part of a Health Assessment , a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify organizational strengths and areas for improvement. The process follows standards set by AAY and aims to support the growth of national YMCA movements across Africa.
More than a diagnostic, the Health Assessment serves as a strategic tool. It helps guide YMCA Madagascar toward better resilience, stronger operations, and greater impact for youth and communities.
The evaluation focused on nine domains essential for a strong and sustainable YMCA:
1. Financial Sustainability assesses financial health, transparency, long-term planning, and compliance with financial standards.
2. Governance examines leadership structures, role clarity, decision-making processes, and accountability systems.
3. Constitution, Policies & Procedures checks for up-to-date legal frameworks and clear policies promoting ethics, inclusion, safety, and transparency.
4. Organizational Learning & Monitoring measures how well the YMCA tracks its results, learns from experience, and improves using data.
5. Strategic Planning reviews the existence and execution of plans aligned with Vision 2030, along with clarity of mission and values.
6. Diversity & Youth Participation analyzes how inclusive governance is and how youth and underrepresented groups are involved in decision-making.
7. Programs & Projects evaluates the relevance, inclusiveness, and impact of services offered to the community.
8. Asset Management assesses the legal status, use, maintenance, and risk management of YMCA’s physical spaces and equipment.
9. Staff & Volunteer Development assesses recruitment, training, retention, and the overall well-being of staff and volunteers.
The results reflected an organization in motion, with several strengths to build on. YMCA Madagascar scored particularly high in areas such as strategic planning, youth engagement, and staff development, reaching 90% in these domains. These results highlight a strong foundation and a spirit of innovation and participation. However, the evaluation also revealed some challenges. Financial sustainability was identified as a key area for improvement, and efforts are already underway to address it.
This Health Assessment is a major step in YMCA Madagascar’s journey of institutional growth. It confirms that the organization has both the capacity and the commitment to expand its impact. With more structured and inclusive actions ahead, YMCA Madagascar is ready to move forward, fully aligned with the global Vision 2030 of the YMCA Movement.
