Madagascar: Training in gastronomy professions for young people in a zero-emissions structure

Which country?

Madagascar

 

Target population?

For young people in socially vulnerable situations, trained at the Guillaume Gomez Institut d’Excellence Culinaire, created by the École de Felix Foundation in Akamasoa – Antananarivo.

What actions?

In Madagascar, the École de Felix Foundation, recognized as a public interest organization, decided to fight poverty by making it easier for young people to access drinking water, healthcare and education. Since 2005, it has created a primary school in the region of Ankarana (North West Madagascar), and an Institute where underprivileged young people can receive free training in gastronomy professions, following the teaching program by Guillaume Gomez, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Head Chef of the kitchens at the Elysée Palace for 25 years, and Ambassador of French Gastronomy. On completion of the course, young people receive a certificate recognized by the Madagascan State, for a profession that is an integral part of the local economic ecosystem and enables them to find quality employment.

A second Guillaume Gomez Institut d’Excellence Culinaire was opened in September 2021 in Akamasoa (Antananarivo), in the village of Father Pédro Opeka. The Institute comprises two, 2-storey buildings with two classrooms equipped with videoconference equipment and internet access, as well as a professional kitchen fitted with new-generation appliances.

Through its affiliate TotalEnergies Marketing Madagaskikara SA, the Company has chosen to support this project by providing a solar farm comprising 80 photovoltaic panels, covering an area of 190 m², and producing 40 MWh per year for a zero-emissions infrastructure. Work to construct the farm took place between March and May 2022. This initiative is part of TotalEnergies’ desire to contribute to youth inclusion and education through its TotalEnergies Foundation solidarity program, to deploy renewable energies and encourage the development of communities in countries where the Company is present.

 

What are the impacts?

The first cohort of 23 young people began the training program in September 2021. The building has a capacity of 50.