The day after Ambassador Lior Keinan presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Madagascar, he met with the members of the Shalom Club who had attended various training courses in Israel.
Discussion revolved around the Shalom Club Madagascar structures and activities; how the MASHAV training has influenced the alumni's careers; the application of skills learned to the training of others in their country. Ways through which the alumni can assist in encouraging other Madagascan citizens to participate in the MASHAV courses on offer each year was also deliberated. Through the Shalom Club MASHAV provides a forum for trainees to keep in touch and build firm ties of friendship and cooperation. The desired outcome is to foster further cooperation between Israel and Madagascar.
MADAGASCAR SHALOM CLUB UPDATES:
· The Shalom Club was first initiated by Raherimasoandro Andriamamonjy (Club Shalom President) in 1992. He was involved in a network to promote the cooperative economy before retiring in 2017. Mr Andriamamonjy will be reviving the Shalom Club this year.
· Dr Ando Miharifetra who Heads the Department of Vaccine Production and Partnership at the Malagasy Institute for Veterinary Vaccines (IMVAVET), is involved in the promotion of sustainable development of poultry breeding in rural Madagascar.
· Ms Vony Randrianoneana is a project planner with ERICSSON AB Madagascar and the Founder of 'Moonlight of Madagascar'. This non-profit organization is dedicated to working with children, youth, women, families and communities to overcome poverty within the framework of sustainable development.
· Ms Annita Razanadrakoto - Project Manager at PROCOM (support program for employment and regional integration) had this to say about her experience at her MASHAV Course in Israel "'The (MASHAV) training gave me the opportunity to exchange experiences with different nationalities that helps me in my current job." – Annita Razanadrakoto
OTHER MASHAV ALUMNI EXPERIENCES:
· 'It was among my best memories and amazing experiences in my life. I am very proud to be part of Israel Alumni.' – Vony Randrianoneana
· 'Everyone has an occasion to practice their studies in Israel at work. We like that relations between Madagascar and Israel exist. Shalom Club Madagascar is ready to work with his Excellency Ambassador.' - Mr Raherimasoandro Andriamamonjy
· 'Attending the MASHAV course is really life changing! It has empowered me to make more impacts in my society. It is left for us MASHAV Alumni to decide how best to leverage the knowledge that has been given to us.' - Dr Ando Miharifetra
If you would like to be in contact with any of these alumni or join the Shalom Club please contact Linda at: dcm-sec@pretoria.mfa.gov.il