(English) MfM launches 40th anniversary celebrations

Miala tsiny fa tsy mbola misy amin’ny teny malagasy ity lahatsoratra ity.

Hazo tokana tsy mba ala, Ny firaisakina no hery

One tree does not make a forest – Together we are stronger

Money for Madagascar’s 40th anniversary has begun in style, with our celebration year’s official launch at the Akany Avoko Ambohidratrimo children’s centre.

The event, which begins a year of celebrations of our partnerships, and the achievements of MfM, our Malagasy partners and Malagasy men, women and children since our foundation, under the slogan One tree does not make a forest –  Together, we are stronger.

The slogan was chosen by our Malagasy partners, to underline the MfM working model, in which we can all achieve more through mutual assistance, pooling our resources, skills and knowledge, than we would alone.

Around 100 children took part in the launch, which took place on Saturday 7th March, and was attended by 40 guests including the Ambohidratrimo Deputy Mayor, as well as representatives of MfM partners, MfM staff, and children from partner centres.

The children performed traditional dances, wearing costumes representing different tribes of Madagascar, to highlight the country’s cultural richness and the importance of collaboration for its development.

Representatives of the FFPM (Federation of Protestant Churches of Madagascar), which sponsors the three partner centres of MfM: AAA, AAF and AAB, opened the proceedings with a prayer.

The children’s dances were interspersed with a series of speeches from representatives of Ambohidratrimo municiplity, MfM and its partners.

The winners of the MfM 40th Anniversary logo design competition, and the success story competition organised in collaboration with professional journalists, also received their prizes.

The ceremony concluded with a photo opportunity, the signing of a commemorative plaque and the cutting of an MfM ‘birthday’ cake.

Lova Rasoalinoro, MfM CEO, said: ‘MfM’s objective is to support the Malagasy people in the implementation of their own solutions to fight poverty and protect the environment.’

We are delighted to have launched the celebrations with such an enjoyable event, filled with joy and carried by the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone who attended, and the children who performed so wonderfully.

Celebrations will continue throughout the year in a range of activities and events in the UK and Madagascar, and will conclude with a week of celebration planned for October 2026 in Madagascar.