The exchange programme for children and pre-teenagers from the Islands on Mission of the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius (EPIM) with those from the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), with the support of the Community of Churches in Mission (Cevaa), originally planned for 2025, took place this year, 2026, from the evening of 25 July to the afternoon of 1 August. This exchange, centred on the message contained in Genesis 2:15, had as its theme ‘Living in creation differently’. The sending service took place on Sunday 19 July 2026, at 9.00 am, at St John’s Church, Port Louis, Mauritius.
The Malagasy people surprised us with their hospitality and their faith. (Tonga soa eto Ivato). The Mauritian delegation (15 children and 8 leaders) stayed at the Fofikri Centre, a venue owned by FJKM in Antananarivo.
An opening service was held a few metres from the Fofikri Accommodation Centre on Saturday 25 July, presided over by Ms Natacha RASENDRAMIADANA, on the theme ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19). The sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr Zo Nantenaina ANDRIAMAMPIANINA from the National Office of Sekoly Alahady, FJKM, in Fofikry Ilafy. Sermon text: Matthew 4:4.
This was followed by the allocation of rooms, after which we had dinner with Reverend Riana Lalasoa RAZAFINTSALAMA, Head of the FJKM.
On Sunday 26 July, the travellers attended the service at Ambatoroka parish. Scripture reading: Matthew 18:28–38? (introduction to the EPIM and hymn).
Believers accept being sent out (the spiritual harvest). We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the deacons, as well as births and weddings, and presented certificates. Let us be servants of God.
The group was invited to lunch in the hall. In the afternoon, the group visited the orphanage, gave out souvenirs and took part in the festival at the church near the orphanage.
On Monday 27 July: a time of worship, a visit to the Fofikri Centre and various games.
Message by Rev Nicole Armand – today brings good news. We have the right to dare to challenge those around us. Activities with our Madagascan friends and Rev Erih Koera at the organ.
Bible quiz.
Tuesday 28 July – visit to the church and village of Imerinkasinina, followed by lunch in Tsarajery with the children and teenagers from FJKM, as well as Rev Nahary. Activities (fish farming/farming), a traditional house made of earth, water, hay and eggs, and the preparation of rice (pounded, sifted, etc.)
We passed by the private school and the former president’s house.
Wednesday 29 July – Service at the FJKM Ambohimarina, in the parish of Pastor Cyriaque RAVELONARIVO, attended by the elders and Sunday School teachers (Psalm 8:1–2, John 13:34–35)
Exchange between children, exchange between teachers, supervision during lunch.
Visit to Tsimbazaza Park (water lilies, white heron, vivarium, chameleon, lemurs).
We passed by the exclusive secondary school and the former President’s house.
Pastors’ children (trainees)
We explored the garden next door (the vegetables, the fruit, the baobab tree…)
Thursday 30 July Worship and activities.
Children from both islands and Reverend Diamondra Ramilison, the Cevaa representative in Madagascar.
Visit and shopping
The Manuel carousel, which delighted young and old alike.
Friday 31 July A time for prayer and praise
The Creator God reigns over space, time and power. His name is the Lord. He will overcome sin. He will restore peace and security. The Lord is Hope, Life and Eternity.
Visit of Queen Manjakamiadanana’s palace
Photo in the entrance hall (of the courtyard)
Visit to the Topaza Centre, lunch in Ambohipotsy
Visit to Akany Avoko and time spent with the children at the Centre.
Closing prayer service
Preparation and cultural evening in Fofikri
Saturday 1st August: Preparations and departure for Ivato Airport, accompanied by the group due to visit Mauritius in 2026.
Acknowledgements: Jeunesse Cevaa, Ms Lina RAHARISOAVELOHANTA, liaison officer at the partner FJKM Church in Madagascar, Pastors Cyriaque and Faly, the Sunday school teachers, the cooks…
I had the opportunity to meet Rev Lala RAKOTOARISOA and Mrs Hanta Arfa NIRIHARISON, who accompanied us during our stay, and to visit Miss Vololoniaina RAHARINOSY, whom I met whilst they were in Mauritius. They send their regards to everyone.
Those in charge went to great lengths to keep everyone happy.
Feedback from participants
Some of the children: We got to play football to make up for the time we spent at the swimming pool.
Lucas: The stay was too short.
Yaël: I’d like to go again.
Témoignage d’Isabelle : ’J’ai beaucoup aimé le voyage, des moments mémorables avec amis Malgaches. Déception pas d’eau dans la piscine, un peu trop de visites d’églises.
Isabelle’s review: ‘I really enjoyed the trip – some memorable moments with my Malagasy friends. It was a bit of a let-down that there was no water in the swimming pool, and there were a few too many church visits.’
Nicole’s account: It was wonderful to discover the culture of Madagascar – which is a little different from Mauritian culture. At times, it felt like a return to our ancient traditions, such as ox-drawn carts, Asian-style toilets, and washing with a bucket of water and a cup to pour the water over oneself.
For us Mauritians, I can still picture all those street vendors in the alleyways and along the roads. In Madagascar, women wash their clothes in dirty rivers, and the whole scene is so colourful with the clothes they hang out to dry on the grass.
Thank you to God and to the Cevaa for making it possible to forge bonds with the Malagasy children and teachers.
Ginette DENNEMONT
On behalf of the Department for Children