Akamasoa: A community of hope in Madagascar

We first arrived in Madagascar in 2022, and were fortunate to arrive in a place that inspires hope, full of life and fervor. It's a community that has become a village in the heart of the Malagasy capital.

Akamasoa: the association founded by Father Pedro

Akamasoa, which means "Good Friends" in Malagasy, is the name of the association founded by Father Pedro 30 years ago. Father Pedro Opeka, of Slovenian origin and born in Argentina, had completed his seminary in Paris and then arrived for an internship (my ex-employee side coming out) in Madagascar. Struck by the intensity of what he experienced there, he felt his mission taking shape there. His refusal to accept the misery and the undignified condition of the poorest people around the dump pushed him to create Akamasoa.

A work of construction and hope

Trained as a mason by his father, he taught those he helped to build houses and paved streets. He created a village that gradually took shape as it grew, constantly joined by the cohort of the world's forgotten. Nearly 500,000 people have been supported, and the association still houses a community of 25,000 people.

A village with complete infrastructure

Akamasoa is not just about houses, but a town with schools, a maternity hospital, a cemetery, and universities for students to pursue higher education. They have access to training in hospitality and catering. It is necessary to provide work for the residents of Akamasoa. Those who join the Association commit, through a charter, to work and educate their children.

Father Pedro, an inspiring man

Father Pedro is an energetic, extraordinary, inspiring, and highly charismatic person. His work has spread and is followed by many people. It was one of his supporters and French friends who offered to help him create his charity hotel.

See our article on this project.

How to support Akamasoa

Here's how to support Akamasoa: