Akamasoa project

Founded in 1989 by Pedro Opeka, known as Père Pedro, the humanitarian movement Akamasoa (Good Friend in malagasy)  began on the outskirts of Antananarivo, where thousands of families were living in extreme poverty near the Andralanitra landfill. Created to restore dignity through work, housing, and education, Akamasoa has grown from a small initiative into a vibrant community of more than 40,000 residents across several villages. Over the past three decades, it has helped over 500,000 people by building thousands of solid homes, schools from nursery to high school level, medical centers, and employment opportunities that allow families to become self-sufficient. The project has transformed lives by replacing life in the garbage dumps with structured communities centered on education, responsibility, and hope. Internationally recognized and supported by donors and volunteers from Europe, the Americas, and beyond — and visited by global figures including Pope Francis — Akamasoa stands today as one of Madagascar’s most inspiring social achievements, offering visitors a powerful example of resilience, solidarity, and sustainable development.