Opening in Ampanafena, Madagascar
At the heart of the SAVA region, the birthplace of Malagasy vanilla, the Edmond Albius Media Library opened its doors in Ampanafena on January 12th 2026, after almost one year of construction work. Led by Eurovanille and its local partners, this educational and cultural project aims to promote access to knowledge, reading and digital tools for children and families in a rural area of Madagascar.
An interview with Ms Chevalier, Chief Executive Officer of Eurovanille, to reflect on the origins, values and future perspectives of this structuring initiative.
What was the guiding idea behind this library project?
Marie-Christine Chevalier : “The idea emerged from a shared reflection with our local partner, in response to a real need identified in a remote village in the SAVA region. Ampanafena is, nevertheless, a key vanilla-producing territory. It seemed essential to us to develop a place dedicated to access to knowledge there. In addition, Eurovanille wished to continue its social actions in support of education, in line with similar projects carried out notably in Uganda.”
Which Eurovanille values did you wish to embody from the very beginning of the project?
MCC : “The deep conviction that a country’s development depends on the education of its population. Schooling, reading and access to knowledge are fundamental levers for the future of children and families.”
What type of structure was created?
MCC : « “It is both a library and a media library, with separate areas for children and adults. The media library is equipped with eight new computers connected to the Internet, in order to promote access to digital tools.”
Which partners were involved in the project?
MCC :« Nous avons pu compter sur l’engagement de notre partenaire Madagascar Flavors, with Erick and Paoan Fow Heng, as well as Karen and Mathieu Chan. Their involvement was decisive in bringing the project to fruition.”
Why did you choose to give this name to the library?
MCC : « Edmond Albius* is an emblematic figure in the history of vanilla. He symbolises development, the transmission of knowledge and ingenuity.”
* Editor’s note: Edmond Albius is credited with the discovery of the manual pollination process for vanilla.
How does this figure reflect Eurovanille’s values?
MCC : « Sa découverte met en lumière l’importance de la research and development, a strong and structuring value for Eurovanille, both in its activities and in its societal commitments.”
Which audiences does the media library primarily address?
MCC : « “Mainly children and their parents, in order to create a family-based and intergenerational educational dynamic.”
Why did you choose Ampanafena?
MCC : « “Ampanafena is located in the SAVA region, in north-eastern Madagascar, a strategic territory for the vanilla sector, but one that is still lacking in cultural and educational infrastructure.”
Why was the presence of the President and the Chief Executive Officer important at the inauguration?
MCC :« Cette présence permettait de rencontrer directement les acteurs locaux et les bénéficiaires du projet, notamment suite à l’élan de générosité des salariés Eurovanille, qui ont participé à une grande collecte de livres et de jeux. Les dons ont été très appréciés. Les enseignantes et assistantes maternelles avaient également préparé les enfants à cet événement. Le maire de la commune était présent et a tenu à remercier l’ensemble des contributeurs. »
What does this project represent for you personally?
MCC : « “This project strengthened the links between the management teams of our two companies, going well beyond a client–supplier relationship. Donors and beneficiaries, although separated by more than 10,000 kilometres, shared a sincere joy around this joint initiative.”
What does the media library offer at its opening?
MCC : “More than 500 books and magazines, intended for both children and adults, as well as around one hundred games, soft toys and playful learning materials for younger children.”
What types of content are available?
MCC : “Educational books, as well as a wide range of magazines covering fashion, science and even the automotive sector, in order to reach a broad and diverse audience.”
How is the long-term sustainability of the project ensured?
MCC : “Eurovanille has committed to financing a long-term partnership with Madagascar Flavors. An annual budget will be allocated for the maintenance, operation and development of the media library.”
Are you considering other similar projects?
MCC : “Yes, we have already contributed to the creation of a library in Uganda creation of a library in Uganda and we continue each year to carry out actions in support of education in that country. We also wish to renew the donation initiative in order to further enrich the Ampanafena library.”
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On January 12th 2026, Eurovanille inaugurated the Edmond Albius Media Library in Ampanafena, in the SAVA region of Madagascar. This educational and solidarity-based project aims to promote access to reading, digital tools and knowledge for children and families in a rural area at the heart of the vanilla value chain.
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