Edmond Albius Media Library

Opening in Ampanafena, Madagascar

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In the heart of the SAVA region, the cradle of Malagasy vanilla, the Edmond Albius media library opened its doors in Ampanafena on 12 January 2026, after almost a year of work. Led by Eurovanille and its local partners, this educational and cultural project aims to improve access to knowledge, reading, and digital resources for the children and families of a rural area of Madagascar.

An interview with Ms Chevalier, Managing Director of Eurovanille, looking back on the origins, values, and prospects of this landmark initiative.

An educational project at the heart of a key vanilla-producing area

What is the guiding idea behind this library project?
Marie-Christine Chevalier: “The idea grew out of joint reflection with our local partner, in response to a real need identified in a remote village in the SAVA region. Yet Ampanafena is a key vanilla-producing area. It seemed essential to us to create a place there to access knowledge. Eurovanille also wanted to continue its social initiatives in support of education, in line with similar projects carried out notably in Uganda.”

Which Eurovanille values did you want to embody from the outset of the project?
MCC: “The deep conviction that a country’s development depends on the education of its people. School, reading, and access to knowledge are fundamental levers for the future of children and families.”

A media library designed for access to reading and digital resources

What kind of facility was created?
MCC: “It is both a library and a media library, with separate areas for children and adults. The media library is equipped with eight new computers connected to the internet, to promote access to digital resources.”

Which partners were involved in the project?
MCC: “We were able to count on the commitment of our partner Madagascar Flavors, with Erick and Paoan Fow Heng, as well as Karen and Mathieu Chan. Their involvement was decisive in bringing the project to life.”

Edmond Albius, an emblematic figure in the service of knowledge

Why did you choose this name for the library?
MCC: “Edmond Albius is an emblematic figure in the history of vanilla. He symbolises development, the passing on of knowledge, and ingenuity all at once.”

Editor’s note: Edmond Albius is behind the discovery of the manual pollination method for vanilla.

How does this figure echo Eurovanille’s values?
MCC: “His discovery highlights the importance of research and development, a strong, defining value for Eurovanille, both in its activities and in its social commitments.”

A CSR project serving families and local education

Who is the media library primarily aimed at?
MCC: “Mainly children and their parents, in order to create a family and intergenerational educational dynamic.”

Why did you choose Ampanafena?
MCC: “Ampanafena is located in the SAVA region, in north-eastern Madagascar, a strategic area for the vanilla industry but still poorly served by cultural and educational infrastructure.”

An opening marked by collective commitment

Why was the presence of the President and the Managing Director important at the opening?
MCC: “Their presence made it possible to meet local stakeholders and the project’s beneficiaries directly, particularly following the surge of generosity from Eurovanille employees, who took part in a large collection of books and games. The donations were greatly appreciated. The teachers and nursery assistants had also prepared the children for the event. The mayor of the municipality was present and wished to thank all the contributors.”

What does this project mean to you personally?
MCC: “This project strengthened the ties between the management of our two companies, going well beyond a customer-supplier relationship. Donors and beneficiaries, though separated by more than 10,000 kilometres, shared genuine joy around this joint initiative.”

A sustainable, evolving media library

What does the media library offer at opening?
MCC: “More than 500 books and magazines, for children and adults alike, as well as around a hundred games, soft toys, and play materials for the youngest.”

What kinds of content are available?
MCC: “Educational books, but also a variety of magazines on fashion, science, and even cars, to reach a broad and diverse audience.”

How is the project’s long-term future ensured?
MCC: “Eurovanille has committed to funding a lasting partnership with Madagascar Flavors. An annual budget will be allocated for the upkeep, running, and development of the media library.”

Are you considering other similar projects?
MCC: “Yes, we have already contributed to the creation of a library in Uganda and continue to run education initiatives there every year. We would also like to repeat the collection drive to further enrich the Ampanafena library.”