At NORA-Madagascar, we believe that if you love a place, you have a responsibility to its future. Recently, we witnessed a profound “full-circle” moment on Île Sainte-Marie.

Jean-Marie Lebas, who has called these islands home for over 20 years, turned his deep bond with the community into a powerful catalyst for change.

The exhibition, “Photography Solidarity,” held at Hotel Libertalia, was more than a display of stunning images. It was a partnership where 100% of the proceeds were channeled directly into our School Nutrition Programme.

A Partnership Rooted in the Field

For Jean-Marie, choosing NORA as a partner was about trust and proximity.

“When I launched this project, I immediately thought of NORA-Madagascar. The reason is simple” he explains “NORA and its founder are based here in Sainte-Marie. And it is very important to me to know that the projects implemented here are directly supervised and carried out by its founder and a local team, that they are fully immersed in the island’s communities, and that they address real and visible needs.”

From “Taking” Photos to Giving Back

He shares our core belief: Malnutrition is the greatest obstacle to education. You cannot teach a hungry child, and you cannot build a future on an empty stomach.

The journey to this exhibition was not easy. It took eight months of work – shooting in Sainte-Marie, printing in Paris, and framing in Antananarivo. It was a process filled with enjoyment, but also exhaustion and doubt. What kept Jean-Marie going was the motivation to use his craft for social change.

“I was fortunate enough to grow up in a country where children’s basic needs and welfare are met; where personal development and exposure to cultural and artistic activities are a natural part of their education. I therefore remain humble, for here the needs are immense. At the same time, knowing that practicing what remains, for me, a hobby will enable children in our villages to have access to a healthy, balanced diet for a few days, perhaps a week, and that I am contributing, alongside others, to their development, encourages me to continue and gives meaning to my photographic work.”

How the ‘eye’ has changed over 2 decades

One of the most moving aspects of Jean-Marie’s work is his evolution from an observer to a member of the community. He doesn’t just see landscapes; he sees faces he knows. He describes his recent black-and-white portraits as “family photos.”

“The light and colors of Madagascar are a tremendous asset for photographers. The latest photography book by Pierrot Men, a Malagasy and the Indian Ocean’s greatest photographer, is entitled *Where the Light Lives*, and this is no coincidence. As I am working on a black-and-white project featuring portraits and scenes of daily life, my integration into local communities results in a greater sense of ‘intimacy’ with the people I photograph. I see this as a gift bestowed upon me.”

One specific image from the exhibition captures this perfectly: A little girl with a school bag waiting for a “taxi-brousse.” She represents the resilience and the potential that NORA works to protect every single day.

Beyond Statistics: The Power of Art

We often look at reports and spreadsheets to measure impact, but Jean-Marie reminds us that art speaks a different language.

“Interpreting statistics effectively requires rationality and sound reasoning. It is possible to compile a report or a set of statistics without ever having been in the field.

Art can be seen as a universal, emotional and intuitive language. Regardless of the form it takes, artistic expression is the translation of lived experience and thinking.

With the widespread practice of photography through the use of smartphones, the artistic and creative nature of a photograph is instantly perceived by a wider audience.”

By buying a piece of art, our donors didn’t just look at a statistic; they connected with the dignity of the Malagasy people – a people who face daily hardships with incredible stoicism.

A Message to Our Global Community

As an expat who has made Madagascar his home, Jean-Marie has a clear message for travelers and residents alike: we are guests in one of the poorest countries on earth, and we are privileged to be here.

“For the vast majority of people here, putting food on the table is a daily struggle, and life is organised on a day-to-day basis amidst uncertainty about the future. Supporting children today also means preparing future generations, through education, to break free from the vicious cycle of dependency.”

The Impact

Thanks to everyone who attended the vernissage and purchased a print, we have secured significant funding for our Nutrition Programme in Agnafiafy. Every photograph now hanging on a wall has been transformed into high-protein meals for the students in Agnafiafy.

A heartfelt thank you to:

• Jean-Marie Lebas for your talent, your stamina, and your heart.
• Hotel Libertalia for hosting this celebration of solidarity.
• All of you who bought a piece of the island to take home, while investing in the children who live here.

Together, we are proving that when art and mission align, we can change the world—one plate at a time.

The next Project

Jean-Marie is already working on the next project, documenting daily lives and livelihoods on the islands. We are excited to follow the process and can’t wait to see the final production!

You can see more of Jean-Marie’s work here: Photo-Solidarité

The Delicate Balance: Choosing Your ‘Voluntourism Project’ Wisely

While the intentions behind voluntourism are almost always good, it’s crucial to recognize that not all programs are equally effective – or ethical. Without thorough research, you risk your efforts having a neutral, or in the worst case, negative impact.

Here are some important considerations you should make, and why thorough research is paramount:

• Local Need vs. Tourism Demand: Ask yourself: Is the project driven by a genuine local need, or is it primarily designed to attract Western volunteers? Authentic projects are rooted in the community’s priorities, not the tourist’s desire for a “meaningful” holiday. Avoid projects that create dependency rather than self-sufficiency. For more on ethical project selection, consider guidelines from reputable organizations focused on responsible travel.
• Skills and Expertise: Do you have the necessary skills for the work you will be doing? An inexperienced volunteer can unintentionally do more harm than good, especially in sensitive areas like childcare or medicine. Projects that require specific skills are often more effective. Be honest with yourself about your competencies.
• Ethics and Child Protection: Exercise extreme caution with volunteer projects involving orphanages or direct work with vulnerable children. Unfortunately, some of these places have unethical practices, and a constant rotation of volunteers can be detrimental to children’s attachment and well-being. Always choose organizations with strong child protection policies and a focus on long-term, sustainable solutions. Look for organizations adhering to international child safeguarding standards.
• Local Embedding and Sustainability: How does the organization ensure its work is sustainable in the long term? Do they employ local staff and utilize local resources? Good projects focus on strengthening the local community from within, rather than creating dependency on foreign aid. A strong indicator is whether local leaders and staff are involved in the project’s planning and execution. Understanding the UN Sustainable Development Goals can provide a framework for evaluating a project’s long-term vision.
• Transparency and Costs: Be aware of program fees. Where does the money go? A trustworthy organization will be transparent about its finances and show how your contributions are used for the project and the local community. Ask for annual reports or detailed budgets.

The True Rewards of Responsible Volunteering

When volunteer efforts are genuinely needed and well-managed, they can offer profound benefits:

• Forge a Deeper Cultural Connection: Traveling as a volunteer, when embedded correctly, offers the chance to move beyond typical tourist experiences. You can live and work side-by-side with local communities, understanding their daily lives and challenges in a unique way. This authentic immersion can build bridges and create lasting memories.
• Experience Personal Growth and a Shift in Perspective: Stepping out of your comfort zone and contributing to a cause greater than yourself can be rewarding. It may help develop your own skills and provide you with a deeper understanding of global issues.
• Make a Direct and Tangible Impact (If Structured Correctly): Your efforts can contribute directly to concrete projects that improve the quality of life for local populations. As is evident in small communities like Sainte Marie, Madagascar, even a little, well-directed help can have a significant effect.

Nora-Madagascar: Committed to Responsible Engagement in Sainte Marie

At Nora-Madagascar, we recognize the inherent risks of voluntourism and are committed to only working with volunteers responsibly. Our primary focus is on working closely with schools and communities in Sainte Marie to improve children’s lives.

We prioritize projects rooted in the community’s own desires and requirements. While we are still a young organization and not yet ready to host volunteers, we see future potential in opening our doors only to those who can contribute specific skills that complement our long-term, sustainable goals.

Your passion for travel can become a catalyst for positive change, but only if it is channeled through responsible, ethical, and locally driven organizations.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sainte Marie – not just as a tourist, but as part of the solution.

Read more about responsible tourism in the article: A Traveler’s Guide to Giving Back!

Want to learn more about Nora-Madagascar and our work?

• Read about our projects here
• See how you can support our work through a donation

Further reading on responsible voluntourism:

• Voluntourism: Does It Help or Harm Communities? (National Geographic)
• Ethical Volunteering Guide (Responsible Travel)
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals (Understand the broader context for sustainable work)
• A Traveler’s Guide to Giving Back: Making Your Sainte Marie Trip Truly Meaningful

As Nora-Madagascar, we are part of this movement, and we know that we are stronger together. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the organizations contributing to development and supporting children and communities in Madagascar. Their efforts span a wide range—from nutrition and education to healthcare and community development—showcasing the diverse approach needed to create lasting change.

Visit the organizations and read more about the efforts to create real change in Madagascar!

• SOS Children’s Villages in Madagascar
  • Focus: Caring for orphaned and vulnerable children. They create family-based environments, provide education, healthcare, and strengthen families so they can care for their children.
• Children Of Madagascar – Ankizy Gasy
  • Focus: This organization supports schooling, school meals, educational materials, and health initiatives.
• Thrive Madagascar
  • Focus: Often concentrates on sustainable development, including agriculture, food security, education, and healthcare, with the goal of empowering local communities towards self-sufficiency.
• ACTION AGAINST HUNGER
  • Focus: Specialized in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition, food security, and access to clean water and sanitation.
• UNICEF Madagascar
  • Focus: Broad focus on children’s rights, including health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, and emergency relief.
• World Food Programme Madagascar
  • Focus: Provides food assistance and supports food security programs, including school feeding programs, especially in regions affected by drought and natural disasters.
• Medecins Sans Frontieres Madagascar
  • Focus: Delivers humanitarian medical aid, especially during crises and in areas with limited healthcare.
• ADRA Madagascar
  • Focus: Works on a wide range of development initiatives, including food security, health, water and sanitation, education, and disaster preparedness.

We believe that by highlighting these incredible organizations, we can foster greater awareness and support for the vital work being done on the ground. Together, we can make an even greater impact for the children and communities of Madagascar.