Youth from the Boeny region join forces to build a bright future
Approximately 57 youth associations gathered in the platform Tafavori to exchange experiences and skills, thus strengthening their commitment to the development of their region
In the city of Mahajanga, in the north-west of Madagascar, the streets are animated by the influx of holidaymakers mainly coming from the capital, taking advantage of the ideal temperature of late winter. A festive atmosphere reigns at the youth space located in the city centre, where an animator – supported by some young people – calls on the local residents to join the cleaning session of the surrounding areas. These young people are members of the platform Tafavori (“gathered” in French), which brings together about 57 associations, all committed to the development of their region.
“We created this youth platform to educate, guide and train our peers for a better future. Coming from various associations allows us to exchange our skills and grow together,” explains Julien Mark Dylon alias Djumady, young coach in personal development, ballroom dance teacher, and President of the platform.
The platform offers a multitude of varied activities open to all young people. According to the requests of the members, various trainings and occasional conferences are provided to them, which arouse a great enthusiasm. In addition to capacity building activities, the platform extends to cultural, technological, sports, social and environmental areas. Victorine, one of the members committed to protecting the environment, embodies the spirit of this dynamic and inclusive platform. “We recycle plastics during these cleaning activities because they are harmful to the environment. Then we turn them into decorative products that we proudly sell,” says the young woman.
« Come together to build », a motto
After the morning activities, the young people join the Ecology Festival organized by the Youth Network for Sustainable Development in the afternoon to demonstrate their commitment to common causes.
In the platform Tafavori, a multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere reigns. The young people have joined this group for various reasons: some for personal development, others for leisure and still others for the internet connection provided by UNICEF that allows them to do research for their studies. But what unites them is the will to develop their community and region together.
The platform even welcomes the association of young Comorians who have come to Mahajanga to pursue their higher education. “In this community of young people, we can help each other, exchange our
cultures; and we feel integrated thanks to the warm welcome from our friends,” says Bacar Saïndou, an environmental and hydrosystems student.
“As a technology addict, I integrated the platform to share this passion, and also to use the internet connection, which is very useful for my online activities”
“I am a young chess lover and I want to share with my peers how the rules of the game can be applied to life“
“The diversity of our members gives us the opportunity to exchange and acquire new knowledge through exchanges of experiences”
