Slovenia with a big heart: two full shipping containers of humanitarian aid for children in Madagascar

"Slovenia not a geographically sizable country, but has a big heart. We have demonstrated many times that we are able to join our forces and help those in greatest need – at home, in our neighbourhood, and elsewhere around the world," stressed President Pirc Musar on this occasion.

The project was created in cooperation between Caritas Slovenia, the Nataša Pirc Musar Foundation – Alma Foundation and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, which, as part of official development assistance, supported the construction of a new primary school in Bemasoandro, a suburb of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. "Education is the key to a better future. This school will give more than five hundred children the opportunity to break out of poverty and build a better future through knowledge," added the President. She particularly highlighted the important role of missionary Pedro Opeka and his Akamasoa association, which has been helping children gain access to education for decades.

Two full shipping containers of aid include school supplies, teaching materials, medical supplies, sports equipment and basic living necessities. "Each item embarking on this long journey today carries a message of solidarity and hope. This reaffirms that Slovenia remains a country that believes in the power of cooperation and mutual support," said President Pirc Musar.

The private sector and sports organisations also responded overwhelmingly. The Port of Koper provided free freight transport, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta donated a multi-purpose van, and numerous companies contributed various material supplies. A special touch was added by some sports associations and the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, who donated balls and various sports equipment for the schools, as well as sportswear for children. "Madagascar will also be home to new top athletes," said the President and thanked all donors.

President Pirc Musar concluded with an important message: "Solidarity is not just a word, but an action that changes lives." In early June, she will visit Madagascar to personally hand over the collected aid to missionary Opeka and officially open a new school. The new school in Bemasoander will open its doors to a brighter future for many children, and today's aid will make their daily lives a little easier.

Today's event in Koper was preceded by two other events as part of the Slovenia for Madagascar project. On Monday, 10 March 2025, Mariano Hugo, Prince of Windisch-Graetz, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Republic of Slovenia, symbolically handed over the keys to the multi-purpose van – donated as part of the project in cooperation with the Emil Frey concern – to Darinka Pavlič Kamien, President of the Board of Directors of the Alma Foundation. On Tuesday, 11 March 2025, President Pirc Musar attended the loading of the shipping containers, with the help of volunteers from Caritas Slovenia.