Who are we?

The association started in 2019 when the founder, Pauline-Claire Bourges, returned to her childhood village of Namakia. Surprised by the living conditions of families that are getting worse and worse each year, she decided to help them, by creating the association.

Other volunteers joined the project: Christine Sanahova, the vice-president who resides in Namakia, as well as the secretary, Beatrice Wuest and Armelle Bernard as the treasurer.

Claire Bourges: President

I was born in Namakia. Since leaving my childhood village, from which I am still very attached to, I have wanted to help the local population, especially the children.

During my different trips to Madagascar, especially at Namakia, I saw how the local life was becoming more and more difficult and unstable. These findings and having people willing to contribute their time and efforts helped me to start the association. This cause is very close to my heart.

We are in the beginning of all our projects, and together we can continue what has begun.

We know we are still a small association, but we will keep on dreaming up new projects with your help and support.

Christine Sanahova: Vice-President

I currently live in Namakia. I am the assistant of the Sugar Factory which owns the elementary school.

When my sister-in-law Claire asked me to participate in the association for Namakia as Vice-president, I readily accepted. I know any actions in the name of the association need someone local to supervise the projects and their fundings. In addition, living in Namakia helps me detect their needs and categorize their urgency. My role within the association is to ensure the completion of our projects.

In addition, working directly at the Sugar Factory has helped me form a direct relation with the construction of the toilets in 2020 as well as several other projects for the school children.

Beatrice Wuest: Secretary and developer of the web site

When my friend Claire asked me to participate in the association, I really wanted to support her in her idea to improve the conditions of the children of Namakia. As I saw how busy she was helping the people of Namakia, I agreed to join and help the association.

After having been Chief of Human Resources in a big automobile company, I decided to give my career a new direction by becoming a psychotherapist. Helping human nature has always been at the center of my being, and helping in the association made sense to me.

Armelle Bernard: Treasurer

I live in the USA, and I met Claire 35 years ago when I did an internship under her guidance. We have been friends since then, and when she asked me if I was interested in becoming the treasurer, I agreed right away.  My husband and I created our own Consulting Software company in 1999, and I hope to bring some of my expertise in managing and accounting to the association. I am in awe of all the wonderful work the association has been doing, and I have wanted to be more involved over the years. I am grateful and humbled to have been asked for the position and I thank you for the trust entitled in me. 

Two new consultants eventually joined the association: Deborah Benard, the website designer, and Karine Suares, manager of the facebook account.