Vintsy memories

Posted on 24 August 2023

"I acquired a lot of knowledge that you don't learn at school [...], I learned to appreciate humans as well as all living beings on Earth at their true value. Finally, I learned to value and take care of Madagascar."

On the occasion of WWF Madagascar's 60th anniversary, those who were part of the Vintsy family agreed to tell us about their experiences and their best memories in these committed student clubs.

"I was one of the leaders of the Club Vintsy of the University of Antananarivo during 4 years. It's always a pleasure to be with the Club Vintsy team.

I participated in the "Leading the change" project, in visits to nature parks and I distributed Vintsy magazines at every event. The content of the magazine is very interesting and informative, even adults want it."

"I was in charge of selling Vintsy magazines to students for many years. I also helped them to build a nursery and a flowerbed, and to take care of the hedge to make the school prettier. The children loved Vintsy magazine so much that it was always out of stock. It's wonderful to work with children who love to protect the environment.

It would be great if Vintsy magazine made a comeback because it really passed on knowledge."

"Club Vintsy's membership has grown steadily. Even though they've finished their studies, the education they received in the club is part of who they are, and some have even become environmental stakeholders and researchers. To preserve the "Vintsy" education, we created the Association des Encadreurs du Club Vintsy Atsinanana (A.E.C.V.A). This association brings together former Vintsy club members and retired teachers. The Vintsy magazine is an effective way of passing on knowledge to members, and it's within it that we find activities to do within the club. Those who read the magazine enjoy many benefits, including the power to acquire new knowledge. When TAMBABINTSY ATSINANANA organizes exhibitions and environmental campaigns, members sell Vintsy magazines and many are very interested, especially former members who are now parents.

I was one of the presenters of the "Protect the Environment" program on Radio Catholique Masova 97 Fm in collaboration with ONE/DREDD/TAMBABINTSY. The show ran every Wednesday evening from 7 o'clock (lasting 20 min) from 2011 to 2019. I was inspired by Vintsy magazine for my columns and it really increased my knowledge. We want Vintsy magazine to come back. There were more than 50 Vintsy supervisors in the East who have devoted part of their lives since 1996 to nature and the future.

Vintsy members are unique, nurtured and educated in many aspects of life. They listen, are responsible and educate those around them. I like the relationship and mutual respect between the seniors and juniors at Club Vintsy. Our organization is very orderly. I couldn't mention all the Vintsy magazines, but what really stood out for me was my portrait in Vintsy N°72. I'd like to thank Vintsy magazine for that. "

" It was great. It taught me how to communicate with others, whether it be the authorities, the Vintsy club's partners, children, young people like me, etc. My friends from the club helped me a lot to open up to others. By sharing experiences, I've acquired a wealth of knowledge that we don't learn in school. I’ve learned to appreciate humans as well as all living beings on Earth for what they truly are. Lastly, I've learned to cherish and take care of Madagascar

I took part in "Ankizy mandray andraikitra ho an'ny tontolo iainana", "Festival Mondial des Lémuriens - 1ere édition" and the "Plan autisme Madagascar" with Liberty 32. I think these are my greatest memories"

" I remember that every Saturday we would have meetings to discuss how to improve respect for the environment, and we'd play games (especially Vitsilia).

As Vintsy club members, we were selected to receive training with FonaGroupe along with other members from different clubs. We'd spent the week studying about the environment and doing night-time activities with fellow students. Though I misplaced the training certificate, I will never lose the memory of that week."