I.V.Y Africa MadEx Workshop (Madagascar)

DARED had the incredible opportunity to participate in the I.V.Y. Africa MadEx workshop in Antananarivo, Madagascar, hosted by the Malagasy National Commission for UNESCO (COMMAT). This transformative event brought together youth leaders and organizations from across Africa and beyond, including delegates from China, Thailand, Germany, and Romania, to tackle heritage preservation and climate action through volunteering.

Key takeaways included exploring the intersection of climate change and heritage conservation, and learning how to design impactful volunteer projects. Participants engaged in participatory action research at the stunning Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discussing challenges with local communities and authorities, and gained tools for strategic planning, fundraising, and advocacy to amplify youth-led initiatives.

The workshop was also an unforgettable networking experience, connecting with inspiring changemakers from 15+ African countries and beyond to share experiences and co-create a Road Map for regional and global youth exchanges. The energy and ideas exchanged were truly empowering.