The aid is intended for children and families in one of the poorest countries in the world. As part of official development assistance, Slovenia has supported the construction of a new primary school in Bemasoandro, a suburb of the capital Antananarivo. The two containers were loaded with school supplies, teaching aids, medical materials, sports equipment, and basic necessities for the new school, which will soon welcome 500 pupils.
President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar emphasized today that Slovenia has once again demonstrated that solidarity knows no borders: “Every item that embarks on this long journey today carries a message of solidarity and hope. In this way, we show that Slovenia remains a country that believes in the power of cooperation and mutual support. Education is the key to a better future. This school will give more than five hundred children the opportunity to escape poverty and build a better life through knowledge.” She also highlighted the important role of missionary Pedro Opeka and his association Akamasoa, which has been helping children gain access to education for decades. At the beginning of June, Pirc Musar will visit Madagascar, where she will hand over the collected aid to missionary Opeka and officially open the new school.
At the event held in the port, Nevenka Kržan, President of the Management Board of the Port of Koper, stated: “I am proud that, as a community, we still believe in the power of kindness and solidarity. Many of us joined forces to show how little it takes to create an opportunity and spark hope for a better life for the children who need it most. All this was made possible with the support of the port community, which is always ready to stand behind good causes. A special thanks also goes to the shipping company Maersk, which will ensure that the containers carrying our aid reach their final destination safely. This is a collective act of sharing hope, creating new opportunities for children and families, and ensuring better access to education and healthcare.”
Slovenia for Madagascar is a project created through cooperation between Slovenian Caritas, the Nataša Pirc Musar Foundation – Alma Institute, and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. An exceptional response also came from the private sector and sports organizations. In addition to the Port of Koper, which together with Maersk ensured free dispatch and transport of the cargo, donors also included the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which donated a multipurpose van. Numerous companies contributed various material supplies, while sports federations and the Olympic Committee of Slovenia provided balls, a range of sports equipment for the school, and sports clothing for the children. The detailed contents of both containers were presented by Peter Tomažič, Secretary General of Slovenian Caritas.
