Become a part of our culture and learn the unique heritage of Maroantsetra, Madagascar

Details

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  Description

  Plateforme LAOVA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Malagasy cultural heritage, especially in the Maroantsetra district. The organization brings together local residents and members of the Malagasy diaspora abroad, united by a shared mission: to develop ethical and sustainable immersive tourism, fully respecting local communities and their knowledge.
  
  Our national coordination team, based in Antananarivo, facilitates the arrival and orientation of international visitors at the airport.
  On-site, in Maroantsetra, our operational team manages all field logistics, including:
  local transportation,
  accommodation,
  welcoming and guiding volunteers,
  technical and digital management (documentation, audiovisual tools, internet access, etc.) to ensure smooth operations.
  
  Team Composition
  The non-profit organization Plateforme LAOVA currently has 22 active members:
  3 in Antananarivo, responsible for national logistics and partner relations;
  15 in Maroantsetra, handling field coordination, community engagement, and documentation;
  4 diaspora members (France, Dubai, Germany, Switzerland), contributing remotely to communication, strategy, content creation, and partnership development.
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  💡 New Approach: Symbolic Co-Contribution Phase
  
  In this second phase of the Hasina Immersion project, the non-profit Plateforme LAOVA invites international volunteer-partners to take part in a pre-tested and co-created immersive experience.
  
  Each volunteer contributes symbolically to local expenses (meals, hygiene, accommodation, small local transport).
  This ensures the sustainability of the project, supports host families, and reinforces fairness and respect for local communities.
  
  Suggested symbolic contribution:
  🌐 10–12 USD per day (≈ 9–11 EUR per day)
  This contribution covers:
  shared meals with host families,
  basic hygiene and accommodation,
  part of the logistical support provided by Plateforme LAOVA.
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  🏡 Accommodation & Meals
  Accommodation is arranged according to the desired level of immersion:
  Hybrid house: modern comfort combined with traditional elements,
  Traditional house: for a fully authentic experience.
  Meals are prepared locally and shared with host families. Each stay is planned in advance to ensure respect, comfort, and cultural authenticity.
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  🎯 Volunteer Activities
  📹 Cultural documentation: audio, video, photography, storytelling.
  🏠 Community support: welcoming visitors, participating in local workshops.
  🌍 Cultural mediation: language exchanges, creating educational materials.
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  🎒 Ideal Volunteer Profile
  Minimum stay: 1 week
  Respect for local traditions and community life
  Commitment and team spirit
  Enthusiasm for culture, nature, and knowledge sharing
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  💌 How to Apply
  Please send us:
  1. A short statement of your motivation,
  2. Your availability dates,
  3. A skill or passion you would like to contribute.
  
  > “Join the non-profit organization Plateforme LAOVA in this human adventure and help preserve the living cultural heritage of Madagascar in Maroantsetra.”

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Hospitality/Tourism

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Water sports

  

  Mountain

  

  Dancing

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Nature

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Performing arts

  

  Languages

  

  Videography

  

  Technology

  

  Sustainability

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Events & social

  

  Culture

  

  Music

  

  History

  

  Art & design
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  CULTURAL EXCHANGE A🌟
  Immerse Yourself in Authentic Malagasy Traditions!
  Cultural Experiences We Offer:
  - Festive Evenings: Traditional music and dance with the local community
  - Hands-on Workshops: Learn local crafts (basket weaving, wood carving)
  - Daily Village Life:Vibrant markets, artisanal fishing, shared cooking
  What We'll Share With You:
  - Heritage preservation techniques
  - Betsimisaraka rituals and traditions
  - Cultural documentation methods
  What We Hope to Learn From You:
  - Your digital skills (photography, video editing, web)
  - Your cultural perspectives
  - Language exchange (French/English/Malagasy)

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  Help

  YOUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT ROLE
  📷 DOCUMENTATION SUPPORT
  - Photo/video 360° capture (with our team)
  - Audio recordings
  - Digital archive organization
  💻 DIGITAL ASSISTANCE
  - Online content publishing
  - Web material creation
  - Social media management
  🗣 CULTURAL MEDIATION
  - Participation in multilingual exchanges
  - Educational material preparation
  - Workshop facilitation support
  WHY JOIN US?
  → Full technical guidance
  → Professional equipment provided
  → Unique field experience

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  French: Fluent
  Malagasy: Fluent
  English: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  ACCOMMODATION
  Option 1: Modest Town House (weekends/rest days)*
  - Wooden house with basic electricity
  - Rainwater shower system
  - Limited internet access
  - 10-minute walk to town center
  Option 2: Bush Immersion (main project location)
  - Traditional housing with solar panels
  - Natural shower options:
  * Rainwater when available
  * River/chute shower experience
  - Compost toilets
  - Intermittent solar electricity
  Meals:
  - Local meals shared with hosts (included)
  - Occasional optional meals for dietary needs
  - Safe drinking water always provided
  Note:
  ✓ Transportation between sites provided
  ✓ Mosquito nets and basic bedding available
  ✓ Safe environment in both locations
  
  "Experience authentic Malagasy living - from simple town comforts to true nature immersion!"

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  What else ...

  Volunteers are welcome to explore additional local attractions and activities outside the scope of Hasina Immersion, such as visiting national parks, nearby villages...
  
  Important: Any activity outside the structured program must be:
  
  Planned in consultation with Plateforme LAOVA, Approved in advance, for both safety reasons and to ensure mutual respect and proper coordination.
  
  All extra costs for these optional activities are the responsibility of the volunteer.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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