We experienced an intense and meaningful mission in Madagascar. It was a long journey that saw us drive three days through a difficult territory, but it also enriched us with new experiences and, above all, hope.

With me this time was Valentino Caridi, the young photographer who accompanied us, while on site we were met by Claudio, our local coordinator, along with Tina, the driver. Local people, Malagasy then, who are now much more than just collaborators: they are true friends, with  capital F. People with big hearts who made our stay in the land of Africa easier and more meaningful.

What impressed us most was the affection with which they welcomed us. Through water-related projects, we were able to earn the trust of the community. They welcomed us as members of a big family, working in synergy with local communities. This has allowed us to consolidate our presence in an area where we have been for a short time, but which already has great expectations.

We brought water and rice, 30 bags of 60 kg each for each village. We treated sick people, accompanied a pregnant girl and an elderly man to the hospital, and more generally listened to the needs of those who welcomed us.

It didn’t end there: our goal was to get permission to dig the well, a key goal we achieved with the help of village leaders.

But let’s come to the heart of the mission: the communities themselves have asked us to work on strengthening a natural basin that can collect the water that is supposed to fall in December, the only month when there is some rain, which will then be used for sowing in January. At their request, we are working to make it deeper by digging a channel to convey the water there.

This activity will impact, but in fact is already impacting, the life of the community itself because it has created a virtuous circle of micro-economy, employing villagers who are employed to dig – giving them a wage that the Malagasy government is unable to provide – and also fostering local activities such as selling fruit and preparing food for the workers. A job that not only provides water, but also a very important economic opportunity for the whole community.

The mission was long, but extremely worthwhile and profound and extremely useful.