The School

Based in Antsirabé, ESSVA is a professional university recognized by the Malagasy state and aligned with the country’s economic needs. It offers six bachelor-level programs over three years: communication and journalism, management and administration, teaching, electromechanics, hospitality and catering, and eco-tourism. With over 1,000 students, ESSVA prepares skilled technicians for the local job market, and more than 100 graduates are employed annually across Madagascar. Since 2017, the university also offers a Master's in Sustainable Development. Among these initiatives, the Bourse Clara Blanc supports promising students facing financial difficulties. 

Partner: Fondation Avenir Madagascar (FAM)

The Fondation Avenir Madagascar (FAM), established in 2002 by former Swiss journalist José Ribeaud, is a non-political and secular organization recognized by the Swiss Confederation. Deeply committed to sustainable and responsible development, FAM supports numerous initiatives across Madagascar. These include the operation of Radio Haja, the construction of several primary schools and wells in the south, and material support to the Antsirabe prison. It also plays a key role in the development of ESSVA, providing both material and financial assistance to the school and covering tuition fees for the most disadvantaged students. Over 90% of its funds are directly allocated to projects, with all members working on a volunteer basis. The Foundation also leads reforestation and agricultural diversification efforts in the remote region of Antenina and supports a rural school near Antsirabe. Regular updates are provided to donors through its publication Vaovao. 

Partner: Institut Européen de Coopération et Developpment (IECD)

Since 1988, the Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement (IECD) has supported human, economic, and social development in partnership with local actors. Recognized as a public-interest organization, it focuses on three main areas: education, vocational training and professional integration, and entrepreneurship. Active in 18 countries, the IECD works with over 400 local partners to implement sustainable and impactful projects.

EHLsmile's involvement 

EHLsmile has played a key role in the development of the hospitality curriculum at ESSVA. Present at its inception over 25 years ago, EHLsmile was instrumental in launching a three-year accredited bachelor program in hospitality and in setting up the essential infrastructure, including the kitchen, training restaurant, and teaching hotel. This initiative aimed to provide high-quality, practical education for future hospitality professionals in Madagascar. Today, we are proud to return to ESSVA to help revamp and modernize these facilities, and to re-evaluate the academic program and curriculum to ensure it continues to meet current industry standards and local needs.