It is a privilege to be the president of a country whose people take to heart the words of Father Pedro Opeka

At the opening ceremony, the President stated: "The opening of a school is a celebration for every community in the world. When we open a school, we send an important message to the world. A school represents an open door to knowledge. It is an open door to peer interaction. It is a place where individuals are shaped to contribute to their community." Construction of the school began in 2024 under the "Food Security and Education Opportunities for Poor Children in Madagascar" project, with a budget of EUR 321,150.00 provided by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia from its official development aid funds.

In her address, President Pirc Musar also expressed her gratitude to Father Opeka: "I hope, dear Father Opeka, that Slovenia has at least partly succeeded in metting your expectations. May the school supplies, sports equipment, and other materials sent to your communities support learning, teaching and the development of creativity. Believe me, it is a privilege to be the president of a country where people take to heart your words that 'the future of our world lies in our ability to share with one another'."

Today, two containers of humanitarian aid, dispatched from the Port of Koper in March this year, were officially handed over to the community. The project was coordinated by the Office of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, the Alma Foundation, Caritas Slovenia, and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, with support from the Port of Koper, Maersk, numerous Slovenian companies and sports organisations. The aid includes medical and sanitary equipment, school supplies, sports equipment and a new vehicle for community use.

In recent years, Slovenia has allocated almost EUR 800,000 in humanitarian aid to Madagascar. During today's visit, President Pirc Musar underlined the importance of continuing this partnership: "Finally, I would like to express Slovenia's sincere gratitude to all of you for allowing us to contribute to Madagascar's development. This community is living proof of what courage, compassion and trust in people can achieve."

The visit to the Akamasoa community concluded with a cultural programme and a symbolic demonstration of the delivery of medicines by drone, operated by the Slovenian company ElevonX in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Slovenia thus remains committed to strengthening solidarity and human dignity in one of the world's poorest countries.